Painting and decorating is a male-dominated industry. Recent statistics show that only 4% of this industry is women. This can discourage young women from pursuing a career as painters and decorators.
Recent customer demand may be driving the change in the industry. Google data shows that searches for “female decorators and painters near me” have increased by 56%, and searches for “woman decorator nearby” are up 200%.
Bagnalls, the national painting and decorating company, recognizes this need and is committed in increasing representation of women in the industry. They ensure that female colleagues are present at recruitment events held by schools and colleges to provide role models to young women.
Bagnalls recently hired 33% female apprentices, a high percentage when compared to the majority of males in this field. Bagnalls is convinced that encouraging women to be successful in the decorator industry at school and college levels will encourage more young women join Bagnalls.
We spoke to three Bagnalls women about their careers and what advice they’d give other women who want to break into a male-dominated industry like painting and decorating.
What’s it like to work in the painting and decoration sector today as a female?
Jane Potter started her career at Bagnalls in the early 1980s. After 33 years, she has become a Branch Manager. “When I started in this industry I was the sole woman on my team. My team has 11 women who are painters and decorators! It’s great to see more women in our industry.
Becky Slater, Bagnalls Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality, maintains the company’s high standards in health and safety. Becky Slater says: “I do a variety of things, including safety visits, delivering training sessions, preparing statistics, and talking to colleagues about safety.
Bagnalls has seen a rise in women, particularly those working in operational roles. I love being able to meet so many different people in my daily tasks.
Katie Sanders has been a painting and decoration apprentice at Bagnalls for over a year. She has received multiple awards. Katie Sanders comments: “My apprenticeship gave me the chance to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages.”
“My college group is made up of a mix of both men and women.” We all treat each other the same when we are on a work assignment. “I don’t think I’m treated differently just because I’m female – that’s great!”
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
Jane I’ve overcome many challenges in my career, especially when the industry was more male-dominated than it is today. I was determined to show those who doubted me wrong.
“There were times when I needed to work twice hard to show my skills and know-how, but over time my work spoke for it. The industry used to have a much more obvious and intense sexism. It’s now more inclusive.
“For instance, even after I was promoted, people would question my presence and ask to speak to my manager. I loved telling them, ‘I , am, the manager.’
Rebecca: “When I look back at the workwear and PPE I have worn in the past, it has never fitted me well. I had to wear 2 pairs of socks in my boots, because they were designed for men’s shoes.
“Or worse, we received ‘womens’ PPE’ which always had pink on it. One pair of boots had a label that read’safe and glamourous’. I wanted to be professional and safe.
I’ve worked with colleagues at Bagnalls to develop our bespoke range of workwear, using feedback from the workforce. All PPE is now available in both female and male versions, including boots, high-vis vests and bespoke male and female fit painters’ whites. “We believe that we have the first women’s bib and brace in the country.”
Katie : “When I started to work, I worked in catering and warehouse environments where people made more negative comments about me because I am a woman. It was a barrier for me to be able to get on with my work.
Now, however, people have a more positive response. They say things like “oh, are you a painter or decorator?” This is so cool! It’s a very different experience to Jane’s as an apprentice. People are much more aware now.”
What advice would you offer to women who are looking to break into this industry?
Jane : “Embrace the sense of accomplishment.” Take pride in your work. This is an exciting industry with many opportunities. “It’s our job to turn a blank canvas into something amazing.”
Rebecca: “Never be afraid of asking questions.” You’ll never learn anything if you don’t ask.
Katie : “Just do it!” Bagnalls is an excellent opportunity. You may not like it, but you won’t know until you try. “Get involved, learn from the experiences you have, take part in competitions and meet new people.
What can employers do in order to make the painting sector more inclusive?
Jane We need to show more opportunities to young women, and encourage teachers that painting and decorating is a viable career. Our industry is not something that many young girls consider because they do not know it’s an option. “Early promotion is key to changing this.”
Becky : “Just the basics, really. Workwear that fits us properly is one example. Employers must also shout out the achievements of women in our industry, like Jane and Katie. These stories should be shared at recruitment events, college visits and other opportunities to show the next generation that anything is achievable. It gives them a tangible goal to aim for and aspire towards.”
Katie : “Employers need to acknowledge that we’re all the same. Women do not want to be viewed as different. We all have the same skills and perform the same tasks to the highest standard. “We shouldn’t be required to do twice as much as the men in order to prove our worth.”
What has been your most proudest moment of your career?
Jane : “There have been many!” It was a great achievement to start as an apprentice, and work my way up. The Apprenticeship Awards 2025 shortlisting me for Mentor of The year. “Winning Bronze in the WorldSkills UK Olympics as the only woman competitor against 14 men – that is also something I am proud of.”
Rebecca: I had been working at Bagnalls only six weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic. I am incredibly proud to have helped the business get through this tough time, especially in terms of safety. “I’m also proud to be named as one of the Top 100 influential women in construction 2024.”
Katie: “My competition wins! I was named the Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the year and the Paperhanger for 2024. “I’m proud of the fact that I traveled to Slovenia to repaint schools and help give back to local communities with Bagnalls.”
The first time this post appeared was on Human Resources News.
