Painting and Decorating

Talented and trustworthy tradespeople are always in demand. On our courses you’ll not only get the practical skills you need to find work, but also transferable skills that all companies are looking for. Our team of tutors, who are all industry experienced, will help give you the confidence and know-how that could even see you go on to set up your own business. The College will provide you with all PPE required for the course.

WHAT CAN I EARN?

Spray painter Painter and decorator Interior decorator Self employed £32,000 £27,000 £26,000 Wages vary

Salaries are average estimates on UK based jobs.

MULTI-SKILLS PATHWAY IN PAINTING AND DECORATING

LEVEL 1 - 1 YEAR

WHAT WILL I DO?

You will learn communication skills, tolerance, respect, teamwork and working safely. You will get to experiment with tools and equipment used by the modern painter. We cover all hand tools, and focus on good housekeeping to maintain good relationships with our clients.

You will develop a range of hand skills including applying paint by brush and roller; cutting in linear runs, laying on paint and laying off paints. Mixing paints from primary, secondary and tertiary colours. You will also be using different fillers and stoppers; from powder, ready mixed, flexible caulk, two pack fillers, and plastic woods. Develop skills in application of fillers and work with faux effects including ground coats, wood graining, marble, broken colour, suede effect, stipple work, stencil work and metal leaf work. You will learn wallpapering skills which will include measuring and cutting dry papers, pasting techniques, wet folding papers, cross-lining surfaces, standard papers, straight match, and drop match. You’ll have a stretch and challenge opportunity to learn including how to remove and refit a radiator, how to fix one-way light switch, and how to carry out plasterpatching.

You also have the opportunity for work experience on an external project with a local company. This will be to pull together all of the practical skills and the social skills you will have mastered.

YOU NEED:

A keen interest to work in the decorative aspects of the construction trades as well as be able to work as a team and individually.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After successful completion of this course you could move on to the Certificate in Painting and Decorating year 2 with opportunities for an apprenticeship in painting and decorating.

CERTIFICATE IN PAINTING AND DECORATING

LEVEL 2 - 1 YEAR

WHAT WILL I DO?

You’ll learn how to prepare a range of substrates such as timber, metal, newly plastered walls and ceilings, along with range of previously decorated surfaces. You’ll learn everything from protecting a client’s personal belongings to demonstrating good housekeeping. You will use a range of manual and electric tools such as palm sanders, hot air guns, steam strippers, and spray guns. You will also learn how to mix and apply fillers and the full range of paints by brush roller. You will learn how to apply knotting, primer, undercoat, and gloss to timber products. Also seal, prime and emulsion new plaster and previously painted walls and ceilings.

YOU NEED:

A keen interest to work in the decorative aspects of the construction trades as well as be able to work as a team and individually.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After successful completion of this course you could move on to the Extended Diploma in Painting and Decorating with opportunities for an apprenticeship in painting and decorating.

If you don't already have a GCSE grade 9-4/A*-C, you will continue to work towards this as part of your main programme of study.

EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN PAINTING AND DECORATING

LEVEL 3 - 1 YEAR

WHAT WILL I DO?

You’ll learn how to prepare areas for wall coverings and paint, how to hang and cut different types of wallpaper and the theoretical knowledge to back up your skills. You will also focus on maths and English and a large section of work will be carried out via IT skills. This is an integral part of the modern trades person. You will be taught health, safety and welfare in construction, which will help you in employment and prepare you for a CSCS card. You will also be required to complete one week’s work experience. This can be with a local company or on an external project where we carry out all aspects of Painting and Decorating. Candidates will be interviewed prior to starting the course. The course will be held over three full days a week.

YOU NEED:

A Certificate in painting and decorating year 2.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After successful completion of this course you could move on to the Year 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or an apprenticeship in painting and decorating.