January 5, 2026
The life of an FE painting and decorating teacher
Peter Face speaks to P&D News about his work teaching the next generation of painters and decorators.
For Peter Face, every day in the college workshop is a chance to give back to the trade that shaped his life by passing on his skills to the next generation of talent. After decades on the tools, starting as a school leaver working for a friend’s decorating business and then running his own company, Peter now teaches painting and decorating at Craven College in Yorkshire. His goal? To pass on the craft, confidence, and skills that have defined his career.
“I started teaching in further education (FE) part-time, taking one group a week while still running my decorating company,” Peter says. “By 2020, I’d gone full-time. I wish I’d done it sooner.”
From trade to teaching
Back in 2009, while running his business, Peter began taking on apprentices from Craven College. After working with several, the college suggested he’d make a great FE teacher and invited him to visit. That conversation planted a seed. Despite initial doubts and concerns about teaching with his dyslexia, Peter decided to take the leap, and discovered that you don’t always need prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in FE, you can train on the job; it’s the real-world industry skills and experience that count. This opened a new chapter for him.
“My mum always said, ‘get yourself a trade and you’ll always have something to fall back on.’ She was right. Now I get to help others build that same security.” Three years teaching in FE, Peter’s days are a mix of practical workshops, mentoring, and sharing stories from real job sites. “Seeing learners arrive with little experience in the trade and leave ready for the world of work, that’s what makes it worthwhile.”
Inside Peter’s week
Peter’s week runs like clockwork. Mondays are for apprentices, Tuesdays and Thursdays for full-time Level 1 and 2 students, and Wednesdays bring staff meetings and marking. Fridays? Paperwork and planning, often from home. “I’m usually in by 8.15am, teaching starts at nine. The pace is steady, and the work-life balance is great for me.”
The rhythm of term life offers a different pace compared to contracting. “In the trade, you’re chasing jobs, but at the college, once you’ve planned a scheme of work, you can refine it year after year. And you’ve got a team around you – other dual professionals who’ve come out of the trade and share that experience. That support makes all the difference.”
Bringing the real world In
Peter’s teaching philosophy is simple: keep it practical. His students don’t just learn in the workshop – they get out into the community. “We’ve painted village halls, worked in local centres. It’s unpaid, but it gives them real experience, covering floors, protecting furniture, dealing with live jobs.” Trips to the Painting & Decorating Show and visits to manufacturers add another layer. “They see new products, techniques, and decorative effects – things you can’t replicate in a classroom.”
Why it matters
For Peter, the rewards are in his learners’ progress. “It’s the small moments,” he says. “Watching someone master a technique or realise they’re capable of more than they thought. When former students come back to share their successes, that’s the best feeling.”
His advice for anyone considering teaching in FE? “You’ve got to love your trade. Be passionate, patient, and respectful. Learners know if you’re genuine. Communication is key – transferring real world skills from industry to teaching isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Your skills are more valuable than you realise, and they could make you a great FE teacher. Teaching in FE is a way to give back, inspire the next generation of construction talent, and make a lasting impact”
Thinking about your next step? Discover how you can inspire the next generation and build a rewarding career in Further Education. Visit https://teach-in-further-education.campaign.gov.uk/ to learn more and take the first step towards making a difference.
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