Discover A Career in The
Coatings
Sector
Around 300,000 people are involved in manufacturing, applying, or using coatings in the UK.
Work in a sector that’s changing lives
...and the planet!
Coatings is a complex and innovative field… and we mean innovative! Advancements in technology are happening every day to make colossal improvements in how things look and how long they last.
It’s also big business too. Did you know three out of every four cans of paint sold in the UK are also made here. Or that there are more than one million individual ink formulations in Europe. You heard that right. One million, and that’s just ink!!
How are coatings used?
You might not realise it, but you will see and use objects every day which have coatings – keyboards, pens, toys, cars, doors and window frames, bridges, clothes, and even money.
Coatings really are used everywhere, from construction, home improvement, and business to automotive, aerospace and manufacturing.
Decorative paints, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks, and wallcoverings are all classed as coatings. Many of these help objects to last longer, so reduce waste and make our planet more sustainable.
What’s the future of the coatings sector?
Modern coatings use the latest scientific advances. When microtechnology is added to the mix, a whole new range of exciting properties and functions develop.
Some of these discoveries are helping the environment. Self-cleaning coatings are now used on things like wind turbines, and light-reflective coatings inside buildings brighten surfaces and reduce the need for lighting.
Green (environmental) coatings, smart coatings that respond to their environment, and anti-microbial coatings (that stop infections and diseases spreading) are just three examples of modern coatings. What could you help to discover?
However, remember it’s not all lab coats!
Alongside scientists, the coatings sector also needs skills in:
• legislation and the law,
• sustainability and the environment,
• research and development,
• marketing and sales
• project administration
• processes and production,
• IT systems
• customer service… and much more!
coatings employers
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) is the UK’s leading trade association for decorative paints, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks, and wallcovering manufacturers, representing 95% of the sector’s sales in the UK.
With over 240 members, BCF advocates for the industry, providing technical guidance, regulatory support, and leadership on issues like sustainability and skills development. It serves as a key liaison between the industry, government, media, and the public, promoting the sector to attract diverse talent.
Contributing £4 billion annually to the UK economy, the coatings industry supports a wide range of downstream sectors worth nearly £300 billion, making the BCF a vital voice in enhancing the sector’s impact and business environment.
Latest vacancies in the Coatings sector
Assembly Operative
Trainee Quality Inspector / QC / FULL TRAINING PROVIDED
Hardfacing Operative
Washing, Shipping & Laboratory Assistant
Production Assistant
Electroplating Technician
Finishing operative-Abrasive clean and masking
Spray / Plating Technician
Production operatives
Powder Coater Operative - Temporary - Permanent
Where to start
