Industry Experts Wanted: LSST Launches Paid Exchange Programme for London Decorators and Site Forepersons
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 22 October 2026
Earn £275 for four hours. Zero red tape. LSST invites experienced painters, decorators and site forepersons to inspire the next generation, shape London’s talent pool and get paid for their expertise.
LSST is putting active trade professionals back in the driving seat. Through the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) FE Teacher Industry Exchange Programme – funded under the Department for Education’s national Construction Skills Package – LSST is opening its workshops to the experts who know the trade best.
This high-impact initiative gives practising trade professionals, site supervisors and business owners a flexible opportunity to share their site-tested skills with eager trainees preparing to step onto live construction sites.
The offer is simple and rewarding – receive a £275 fixed payment for a minimum four-hour engagement (inclusive of preparation time) with no teaching qualifications or lesson plans required.
Leading this initiative is Matt Garvey, LSST’s Head of Further Education and Business Development.
“Many trainees enter the job market with good skills but limited exposure to real site expectations,” says Matt Garvey. “At LSST, we believe that the best person to teach site standards is someone who works on site every day. Our learners gain invaluable insight, and industry professionals are paid for sharing expertise they already use in the workplace.”
“This exchange gives our learners a chance to learn from these experts. This bridge between active sites and our workshops enriches the learner experience and also gives the expert a taste of education. Even better, we pay you for it.”
Matt Garvey emphasises that your site experience and passion are all you need: “We’ve stripped away the red tape. As a practicing painter or decorator you bring your knowledge, your site discipline and your craft. You could support through a demonstration, mentoring learners in the workshop, advising on the lesson content or co-teaching with a tutor. Your contribution will make a lasting impact on London’s talent pipeline.”
The GLA-backed partnership is designed to deliver immediate and tangible returns for tradespeople and contractors:
- £275 payment: A payment for a flexible four-hour commitment (inclusive of prep time).
- Early talent scouting: Get first look at LSST’s most motivated trainees before they hit the job market – creating a direct recruitment pipeline for your own contracts.
- Raise your profile: Position yourself or your firm as a recognised leader in skills development supported by City Hall and the DfE. Plus an official LSST certificate.
- Giving back to the craft: Protect the future of the trade by offering back real-world site standards / professionalism in the next generation.
- Explore vocational training: Experience working in further education with zero long-term commitment.
How to get involved
Engagements are completely flexible to suit your schedule and specialist skills. You’ll be supported each step of the way. LSST will make all the necessary arrangements, welcome you and provide any resources you need as part of your visit. Here are some examples of what you can do:
- Masterclass & Demo: Show off specialist tools, spray gear or eco-coatings.
- Workshop Co-Mentoring: Help trainees tweak their techniques alongside an LSST tutor.
- Trade Talk: Share real-world advice on pricing jobs, site expectations and client management.
Apply or nominate an expert now
If you take pride in your craft, want to scout top future talent or know an experienced decorator who would make a great mentor, now is the time to act.
Ready to get involved or nominate a skilled colleague? Email: matthew.garvey@lsst.ac and visit www.lsst.ac/fe.
For further details or media inquiries, contact LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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