Why Choose this course?
This course is the first step to a career as a Painter and Decorator. You will gain an understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to apply Painting and Decorating skills in a practical and realistic way. You will follow a programme of study that enables progression to further courses and employment within the construction industry. You will gain confidence by developing independent learning skills and will learn how painting and decorating activities are carried out safely and how they contribute to our built environment. There are many opportunities for skilled painters and decorators in the building industry, working for large and small companies and/or in self-employment.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
employer links
Outstanding facilities
experienced tutors
Small class sizes
Learn from sector experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who have all been tradespeople themselves. You will learn to advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the job role of Painter and Decorator and the construction industry as a whole.
Develop work-related skills
During your programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will prepare you for progression to further studies or full-time work, following completion of your training in college.
Enjoy professional surroundings
Our Construction facilities are equipped with the latest industry standard painting and decorating equipment and resources. We enjoy partnerships with many large suppliers and employers and as a result students experience, apply and develop industry standard painting and decorating skills in a realistic working environment.
What will I learn?
You will be taught painting and decorating in our first-class workshops, classrooms, and IT suites, and will quickly start to repair, prepare, paint and decorate products, components and structures on your own and in small teams. Of course, it’s not all about practical skills, employers need enthusiastic and engaged employees to meet the demands of the construction industry and to help their business grow. You will therefore need to gain knowledge of how the construction industry and other trades work together and operate. This will give you the very best opportunity to progress and forge a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.
Units that you will study include:
- Principles of building construction, information and communication: the aim of this unit is to provide you with the knowledge of building methods and construction technology, including aspects of job roles, communication, documentation, drawings, energy efficiency, foundations, internal and external walls, floors and roofs.
- Erecting and dismantling working platforms: this unit will enable you to learn about access equipment and erecting and dismantling working platforms, to enable access to a range of buildings and structures as a painter and decorator.
- Preparing surfaces for decoration: this unit will enable you to learn about the preparation of new and pre painted/decorated surfaces. You will learn how to correct defects, repair and make good surfaces prior to decoration.
- Applying paint systems by brush and roller: this unit will enable you to learn about applying water and solvent based painting and decorating coting by both brush and roller. You will also learn how to effectively clean your equipment after use so that it can be used again.
- Applying foundation and plain papers: this unit will give you the knowledge needed to apply both lining and wood ingrained papers to walls and ceilings, using adhesives to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Producing specialist decorative finishes: This unit will give you the knowledge to create various broken colour acrylic and oil-based specialist finishes to a range of materials and components.
- Health, safety and welfare in construction Within this unit you will learn about health and safety regulations, roles and responsibilities, accident and emergency reporting procedures and documentation. Together with hazards, health and welfare in the workplace, it also covers working at height, working with electrical equipment and fire emergency procedures.
If you are a full-time student aged 16-18, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main painting and decorating course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Maths* and work-related experience.
*Should you not achieve at least a 4 in English and Maths you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.
You will be taught painting and decorating through a blended learning approach incorporating taught practical and theory sessions, workplace learning, assessments, and online learning. One to one support, tuition and advice are from our team of experienced and qualified tutors, assessors and advisors will be integral to your programme of study.
Where will it take me?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress onto the Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, which requires a further year of study. Alternatively, you could progress onto a painting and decorating Apprenticeship. Further study will enable you to work towards more senior roles within the construction industry.
assessment arrangements
Painting and decorating practical coursework will be assessed through set practical tasks in well-equipped workshops. knowledge is assessed via internally set test papers and externally set online exams. Â
Entry Requirements
A grade 2 or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English language or literature. Should you not achieve this you should still apply as each applicant will be invited to attend an interview with the course manager, all successful candidates will gain a place on the programme. A keen interest in the role of Painter and Decorator will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.Â
Information & Support
The student support team are there to support you and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal, and pastoral issues. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you in successfully completing your course and pursuing pathways to progression as Painter and Decorator.Â
As in the workplace PPE will be required for the course such as safety boots, goggles etc. You will be provided with a full list of the protective equipment requirements of the course before you start.Â
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.