Painting and decorating can sometimes be a glamorous job. Even if you don't make it as a star on the latest home improvement show on TV, there’s lots of work on stately homes, grand mansions, and plush hotels for painters and decorators who can apply leaf to ornate fixtures and fittings.

I want to train in painting and decorating or tiling, but I do not have the time to complete a lengthy college course. Are there intensive courses available and do they lead to qualifications?

Good news – you can train to become a professional painter and decorator or tiler in as little as two or four weeks using intensive trade training providers, which offer courses to suit all ages and abilities.

I want an apprentice that can earn their money from day one rather than have them learn slowly at college. Are there any short courses I can send them on to get value for money?

Yes, there are intensive courses that last four weeks, which can do exactly that – make your apprentice earn their money from day-one.