Job market information
Finding out about the coatings industry
The coatings industry is part of the process manufacturing sector, represented by Proskills Sector Skills Council. This sector also includes the following industries: building products; extractive and mineral process; furniture, furnishing and interiors; glass and related industries; ceramics; paper; plus print and printed packaging. In addition, there are several industries that are aligned with Proskills industries, including: glazing and window manufacture; soft furnishings; design; paper merchants; and mining services. The sector as a whole currently employs an estimated 810,000 people in around 76,900 workplaces. Since 1998, there has been a steady decline in the numbers employed in the sector as a whole and the number of workplaces, but productivity in the sector has continued to increase over the same period. Overall, the sector will need to recruit almost 93,000 people up to 2017 to replace those retiring or leaving the sector.
This UK coatings industry covers the manufacture of: decorative paints (the paints available in DIY stores); industrial paints (paints for cars, aeroplanes, steel beams, cans etc.); varnishes; powder coatings; printing inks; mastics and sealants; and wall coverings. Examples of some larger companies in the industry include: ICI; Sun Chemicals; Akzo Nobel; and SigmaKalon.
Key facts:
- There are an estimated 21,000 people employed in the industry, across 1,000 workplaces.
- Workers in the industry tend to be full‐time and directly employed, rather than on a contract basis.
- Work is often shift‐based, especially in lower levels jobs.
- 19% of the workforce has a Level 1 or entry level qualification, 25% a Level 2, 25% a Level 3, 4% a Level 4 and 16% a Level 5 qualification.
- Annual turnover for the industry is currently around £3.9 billion.
- There are 1,207 sole traders in the industry.
Jobs in the industry range from: laboratory assistant, production operative, manufacturing operative, production support, business support, production quality controller, maintenance engineer, operations director, coatings technologist.
Entry and progression
Those wishing to enrol on apprenticeships in the industry have to demonstrate the potential of achieving at least an NVQ Level 2 qualification, plus the knowledge and ability to undertake the training. Entrants should have a good basic education.
Those wishing to enter the industry need the following skills and attributes: self‐motivation; willingness to work, learn and apply that learning; the potential to complete qualifications; ability to communicate effectively with a range of people; plus numeracy and literacy skills.
There are a wide range of opportunities for those wishing to change career direction and enter the industry. There is a range of relevant industry courses, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and training schemes available.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
21,000 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
1,000 |
|---|
| Gender: |
67% male |
33% female |
|---|
| Age: |
6% of workforce is 16‐24 years |
|---|
| 16% 25‐34 years |
| 36% 35‐44 years |
| 28% 45‐54 years |
| 13% 55‐64 years |
| 1% 65 years and over |
| 13% of the workforce considers themselves to have a disability. |
Employment trends and future prospects
There has been a decline in the number of employees over the last decade, but this has slowed more recently and over the last three years employment levels have remained steady. Some companies are operating in “niche” markets and are still considering recruiting, particularly young people.
Skill requirements and shortages
Generally, the skill needs for the future will be in higher level management and technical operations. There will be a continuing need for health and safety skills in the industry. It will become more important for people to be multi‐skilled and able to work across several areas of the business.
Skill shortages in the industry include:
- Employability skills, such as team‐working, having a good attitude, and using initiative
- Craft and Technical skills, such as colour mixing and chemistry
- Management and Leadership skills
Occupational trends
The largest occupational groups in the industry are:
- Process Plant and Machine Operatives
- Managers and Senior Officials
- Elementary Occupations
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 80 workplaces. There are very few employment sites in the East Midlands.
East of England – There are an estimated 1,200 employees in the regional workforce, in around 110 workplaces.
London – There are an estimated 1,600 employees in the regional workforce, in around 80 workplaces.
North East – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 40 workplaces.
North West – There are an estimated 5,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 170 workplaces. The industry has a large presence in the North West, and there are a number of large manufacturing sites.
South East – There are an estimated 3,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 100 workplaces.
South West – There are an estimated 1,600 employees in the regional workforce, in around 90 workplaces.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 3,400 employees in the regional workforce, in around 110 workplaces.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 2,200 employees in the regional workforce, in around 120 workplaces.
Northern Ireland – There are less than 500 employees in the regional workforce, in less than 50 workplaces. There are very few employment sites in Northern Ireland.
Scotland – There are an estimated 1,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 100 workplaces.
Wales – There are less than 500 employees in the regional workforce, in less than 50 workplaces. There are very few employment sites in Wales.
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry are variable, so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Entry level (e.g. Trainee maintenance engineer) £11,000 ‐ £12,500
- Full operative (e.g. Production quality controller) £14,000 ‐ £18,000
- Senior Management (e.g. Senior maintenance engineer) £25,000 ‐ £40,000
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Proskills AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
