Surface finisher
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship trains surface finishers to prepare and apply protective and decorative coatings to manufactured components and structures in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Apprentices learn to use techniques including painting, plating, anodising, and powder coating to meet quality and technical specifications. It can lead to roles as a Senior Surface Finisher, Quality Inspector, or Surface Treatment Specialist.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Properties of different surface finishing materials and coatings
Surface preparation techniques including blasting, cleaning, and masking
Spray painting and liquid coating application methods
Powder coating, electroplating, and anodising processes
Quality inspection and measuring coating thickness and adhesion
Health and safety including COSHH regulations for hazardous substances
Reading technical specifications and work orders for finishing jobs
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare component surfaces by cleaning, sanding, or blasting
Apply liquid paint or powder coatings using spray equipment
Mask areas of components that must not be coated
Operate curing ovens and process equipment safely
Inspect finished coatings for defects, thickness, and adhesion
Follow COSHH controls and wear appropriate PPE
Complete quality records and production documentation
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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