College has 20 vacancies on course offering practical and theory work

The next generation of painters and decorators is being offered a leg up the ladder.

Prospects and Futures College has 20 vacancies on its books for the full one-year course in painting and decorating, leading to a level one diploma.

John Mockler, the college’s marketing manager, said: “There is a strong and rising demand for painters and decorators and the Prospects course provides a thorough grounding. Those who complete the course should have little difficulty in proceeding to an apprenticeship scheme and from there to regular and secure work in the industry.”

The painting and decorating course is run at the Futures campus of Prospects College, in Southend. It combines theory with regular hands on practice in the college’s fully-equipped workshops. Among the subjects studied are the storage and handling of materials, health and safety for the construction industry and tools maintenance.

Prospects also offers a higher level painting and decorating course, as an alternative to an immediate apprenticeship.

Eight students are taking on a high-profile job redecorating the sports hall at the Canvey Skills Campus, in Meppel Avenue, Canvey, in a National Lottery funded scheme. The students will prepare interior walls, before painting them in a fresh colour.

Shawn Thrower, section head of painting and decorating, said: “We jumped at the chance to take on this project as it enables the students to apply their skills in a real working environment.

“It will give them insights into what it’s like to travel to the site, into timekeeping and the planning and organisation of a job.

The students have been very enthusiastic and are working well together as a team.”

Louise Constantine, an 18-yearold painting and decorating apprentice from Grays, is helping to co-ordinate the project as part of her training. She said: “It is great to be part of this work experience for a big job like this. I’m really happy with how it’s going so far and everyone is getting along together and working hard. Working as an apprentice at Prospects College has given me great job satisfaction.”

Jackie Watford, centre manager at the hall, said: “I am delighted the students have come over to put their skills to the job, it gives them a taste of what a real job is like on site. They are a credit to the college.”

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