Painter and decorator
Core building tradesperson · Technical · Onsite Construction
The official framework — 60 requirements.
Every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour below is the verbatim regulatory text of the Painter and decorator apprenticeship standard (v1.3). On EngTree, each one becomes a node — verified knowledge entries, training modules and End-Point Assessment evidence all map back to it.
Knowledge (31)
What the apprentice must understand
- K1
Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance and impact on role. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Asbestos awareness. Manual handling. Signage, Situational awareness. Slips, trips, and falls. Working at height, Working in confined spaces. Reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR), Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER). Lone working. Electrical safety (electrical equipment and hand soaking) Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and Lead at work.
- K2
Personal protective equipment (PPE), Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and dust suppression.
- K3
Working at height equipment and safe use: Ladders, mobile towers, Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) and fixed scaffold.
- K4
Working at height equipment and safe use: Steps, hop- ups and podiums.
- K5
Equipment: High-volume low-pressure spraying equipment, pressure washing and relevant safety control equipment.
- K6
Safe systems of work: Site specific inductions, risk assessments, method statements and hazard identification in the work area.
- K7
Standards and regulations: British Standards, building regulations, quality standards.
- K8
Basic principles of digital design and modelling systems.
- K9
Interpreting relevant information from drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturer’s safety data sheets and manufacturer’s information including colour charts and notations and colour terms.
- K10
Impact of the sector on the environment and sustainability: Efficient use of resources. Recycling, reuse and safe disposal of waste.
- K11
Preparation of work area: removal and storage of furnishings, fixtures and equipment and reinstatement.
- K12
Characteristics and use of materials to protect work area: Cover materials and tapes.
- K13
Hand tool use: preparation tools, application tools.
- K14
Power tool use: Sanders with dust extraction, power drills, infrared and hot air guns.
- K15
Preparation materials and their characteristics: Fillers, resin fillers, sealants, stabilisers, caulks, primers, decontaminants, abrasives.
- K16
Coatings, their characteristics and uses: Water borne, solvent borne, two-pack, including drying, curing and recoating.
- K17
Wallcoverings and their characteristics: Lining paper, free match or random paper and adhesives.
- K18
Preparation processes internal and external locations and materials, considering surface conditions and defects for: untreated trowelled finishes and plasterboard; Untreated timber and timber sheet materials; untreated metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- K19
Preparation processes for internal locations and materials, considering surface conditions and defects of previously coated surfaces: trowelled finishes and plasterboard; timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous); removal of previously applied coatings.
- K20
Preparation processes for external locations and materials, considering surface conditions and defects of previously coated surfaces: trowelled finishes and plasterboard; timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous); removal of previously applied coatings.
- K21
Characteristics, preparation and application techniques for preparatory papers (damp preventative, reinforcing, insulating, lining): cross lining, vertical hanging, around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
- K22
Preparation and application techniques for standard papers: cross lining, vertical hanging, around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
- K23
Application techniques and sequencing for surface coatings: solvent borne, water borne, brush and roller to ceilings, walls, linear work (skirting board and architrave) doors (flush and panelled) and opening windows.
- K24
Techniques to rectify defects: Third party damage and post application defects.
- K25
Principles of good team working.
- K26
The painting and decorating sector: Regulators, types of services and products, types of employers, types of customers, supply chain and stakeholders.
- K27
Verbal communication techniques and construction terminology.
- K28
Written communication techniques using construction terminology.
- K29
Well-being: mental and physical health considerations for self and others and how to access support.
- K30
Inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace.
- K31
Employment types (self employed and employed), small business start up principles and tax responsibilities.
Skills (23)
What the apprentice must be able to do
- S1
Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- S2
Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and dust suppression.
- S3
Check and safely use working at height equipment for example steps, hop-ups, and podiums.
- S4
Identify hazards and comply with risk assessments, method statements, control measures and safe systems of work and report to manager when required.
- S5
Read and interpret information for example from drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturer’s safety data sheets and manufacturer’s information such as colour charts and notations.
- S6
Ensure materials are used efficiently and sustainably including suitable disposal of waste.
- S7
Prepare work area: remove and store furnishings, fixtures and equipment and reinstate.
- S8
Protect and prepare a safe working area, surrounding surfaces and environment.
- S9
Select and use hand tools and equipment.
- S10
Maintain and store hand tools.
- S11
Select, use, maintain and store power tools.
- S12
Prepare internal and external untreated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example: trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- S13
Prepare internal previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials.
- S14
Prepare external previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- S15
Prepare and apply surface coatings to untreated external surfaces for example brick, stone, render, wood, metal using a brush and roller.
- S16
Apply solvent borne and water borne coating systems using brush and roller to ceilings, walls, linear work (skirting board and architrave) doors: flush and panelled and opening windows.
- S17
Prepare and apply foundation paper: Cross lining around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
- S18
Prepare and apply Wallcoverings: Free match or random match finishing papers, vertical hanging, around socket and switches, internal and external angle.
- S19
Carry out minor repair for example third party damage or post application defect.
- S20
Apply team working principles.
- S21
Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
- S22
Communicate in writing with others for example, internal and external customers, colleagues.
- S23
Follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
Behaviours (6)
How the apprentice must conduct themselves
- B1
Put health and safety first.
- B2
Consider the environment when using resources and carrying out processes.
- B3
Take ownership of given work.
- B4
Contribute to an inclusive and diverse culture.
- B5
Seek learning and development opportunities to maintain and enhance competence in their own practice.
- B6
Team-focused to achieve team goals.
This framework is where Pathways
meets verified knowledge.
Scenarios practise these requirements. Verified entries teach them. The evidence portfolio proves them. One spine, three surfaces.