Jordan runs a painting and decorating business with his dad and did a four-year apprenticeship to learn his trade. He decorates homes, businesses and new builds, and occasionally does restoration work and sign painting.

I'm really fortunate to learn these skills.

Case study
Category Information
Age 24
Based United Kingdom
Employer Freelance

How did you become a painter and decorator?

I never dreamed of being a decorator but during my apprenticeship, I travelled to Abu Dhabi for the Worldskills competition and came 5th in the world for painting and decorating.

What's a working day involve for you?

Most of my time is spent sanding, filing and protecting surfaces. The easiest (and quickest) part of the job is the application, which I mainly do with sprayers and brushes.


What's the hardest part of your job?

The hardest thing about my job is applying myself to work every day. My apprenticeship helped me to toughen up mentally – if I don’t work, I don’t get paid.


What do you do in your spare time?

I bought my own flat last year. It was a struggle to save, but I was able to put in extra time at work to earn enough money. As a long jump athlete, I train six days a week. I head to the gym after work and ges home around 9pm.