Painter - Apprentice

The Opportunity

Job title: Trainee Industrial Painter

Location: HMNB Devonport, Plymouth.

Working pattern: Monday-Friday (07:30-16:00). Possible overtime opportunities.

At KAEFER, our success is built on our values and culture, which create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. We prioritise growth and development, with abundant opportunities for advancement and a commitment to promoting from within. Our wide range of job openings, including entry-level positions, allows for the first steps on the ladder to success. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our employees throughout their careers.

The Industrial Painter role is designed as an entry level position, providing individuals with a structured development pathway. Employees will commence on the Starting Trainee Rate and may have the opportunity to progress through the pay structure as they successfully complete the relevant Train the Painter qualifications and demonstrate the required level of competence.

Basic Rate

Overtime 1

Overtime 2

Starting Trainee Rate

£12.71

£14.64

£15.51

Employees will commence on the Starting Trainee Rate and may have the opportunity to progress through the pay structure as they successfully complete the relevant Train the Painter qualifications and demonstrate the required level of competence.

Your Training Journey

As a Trainee Industrial Painter You Will

• Complete the Train the Painter Trainee Programme delivered by KAEFER's accredited on site TTP Trainers.
• Learn the fundamentals of surface preparation and protective coating application.
• Gain practical experience working alongside experienced coating specialists.
• Complete online learning and practical assessments through the Train the Painter Learning Management System.

Progress through the recognised TTP pathway from Trainee to Bronze, with opportunities to continue towards Silver and Gold as your experience develops.

Build verified industry experience while working on one of the UK's largest construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for Trainee Industrial Painters to join our Protective Coatings Programme at HMNB Devonport on a permanent contract. This is an early careers position, so previous painting experience is not required.

Successful candidates will undertake the Train the Painter (TTP) Trainee Programme, delivered by our experienced on site Train the Painter (TTP) Trainers. You'll follow KAEFER's structured career pathway, combining classroom learning, practical training and supervised on-the-job experience.

Your development will follow the recognised Train the Painter Career Progression Route.

As you progress through the programme, you'll gain nationally recognised qualifications, practical experience and verified industry hours, enabling you to develop into a fully qualified Protective Coatings Applicator.

At HMNB Devonport, KAEFER is responsible for delivering specialist protective coating systems to warships and submarines, ensuring they are protected from corrosion and meet the highest standards of quality, durability and performance providing an excellent environment to develop your skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Working under the supervision of experienced Industrial Painters and Supervision, you will:

• Learn safe working practices and comply with all KAEFER and HMNB Devonport Health & Safety requirements.
• Assist with surface preparation activities.
• Learn to prepare substrates for coating application.
• Assist in the application of protective coating systems using airless spray equipment, as well as brush and roller techniques where required

Learn correct handling, storage and mixing of coating materials.

Record work activities and support quality inspections.

Develop an understanding of coating specifications and quality standards.

Work safely from access systems including scaffolding and MEWPs following appropriate training.

Build practical skills through supervised on-the-job experience.

As your competency develops through the TTP programme, you'll gain exposure to:

• Abrasive blast cleaning.
• Spray painting.
• Quality control inspections.
• Specialist coating application techniques
  
  

We are looking for people with the right attitude who are keen to learn and develop.

You'll Have

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication skills.
• A commitment to working safely.
• The ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• A reliable and flexible approach to work.
• A collaborative team-working mindset.
• Pride in producing high-quality work.
• Be comfortable working in a physically demanding environment, including at height, in confined spaces and whilst wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Understand the importance of safety, quality and environmental responsibility when working on defence products.
  
  

Essential

• No previous coatings experience required but knowledge of site practices desirable.
• Willingness to complete the Train the Painter Trainee Programme.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
• Eligible to work on the HMNB Devonport site. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain BPSS Clearance and SC Clearance.
  
  

Why KAEFER UK & Ireland?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, EC&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles. We have twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.3 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 job-sites internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company, with common values and many diverse and individual voices. You can ‘count on us’ to make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work.

Our Values