Painter and Decorator - Stuart Bull

Stuart Bull

Construction wasn't Stuart's first choice of career, but it's a decision he's now glad he made thanks to learning the skills involved in painting and decorating. After changing his options at college, Stuart decided to enter the industry through a Programme Led Apprenticeship (PLA), which combines full time study at college and an on-site placement to achieve the Apprenticeship Framework and NVQ 2.

Stuart studied for two years at Suffolk College, achieving his Foundation and Intermediate Construction Awards (FCA and ICA) and taking his Health and Safety Test. The college then approached him to take part in the PLA scheme and an interview was arranged for him with a local company, Cardinal Decorative. The process was made very easy for him, and his employer is even able to collect him each morning to take him to the various sites!

Stuart believes that his time at college was highly beneficial for him, giving him a base from which to work and giving him some qualifications ahead of his placement:

My time at college helped me to decide what I want to do. Once I had decided to take the Painting and Decorating course, I enjoyed it and was able to study hard to achieve my qualifications.

For Stuart, the way in which the PLA course is structured has also helped him to concentrate on the various aspects individually:

I preferred being on each area of the course full time because I enjoy working on projects from beginning to end and think I would have found it difficult to leave a project on-site to attend college for a day. It was good for me to complete my studies before going on-site, so that I can now focus on learning the skills and techniques needed for this job. Being on-site has improved my skills and is much more hands-on, which I have really enjoyed.

Having passed all of the qualifications needed at college, Stuart is now working towards achieving his NVQ Level 2 to complete the Apprenticeship Framework. In the future, he is hoping to stay with his current company and is interested in further qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 3.

In all, Stuart feels that the new course has given him a good start:

Painting and decorating is a great career. It is physically hard work but there is a lot of variety and it is great working in a team and being in touch with the public. The PLA scheme is a good way to enter the industry as it gives you grounding and qualifications at college and then hands-on experience at the placement.