Painting and Decorating Level 1 Diploma

This course is specifically designed for people who are interested a career in the construction, craft or painting and decorating. It enables you to build up a broad range of practical skills such as preparing surfaces, applying paint by brush or roller, and wallpapering, along with a basic understanding and knowledge of other construction trades. You will be taught by experienced staff, and the workshops classrooms and learning resource areas are well-managed, maintained and equipped, enabling you to be successful in achieving your qualification. The course is fast-paced, well-structured and designed for you to have a pleasurable learning experience, as well as learning lifelong skills including English, Maths and ICT. These skills will help you to complete your work and prepare for further study or employment.

You will gain a broad understanding of painting and decorating and start to practise decorating skills. You will be taught how to apply paint as well as how to hang plain and foundation papers. You will learn the skills necessary to achieve a Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating and the chance to progress your studies. Units could include Health and Safety, handling and storing materials, knowledge of building methods in construction, knowledge of communication in the building industry, preparation of surfaces, applying paint by brush and roller and wallpapering. You will learn how to prepare surfaces to receive high quality finishes of both water- based and solvent-based products. You will develop wallpapering skills using a range of wall coverings and adhesives, and learn a range of decorative effects such as stencilling, graining and broken colour work. As part of the course you will need to demonstrate specific literacy, numeracy and ICT skills alongside your main subject studies. These Functional Skills will help with your coursework and develop personal skills for life and work.

You will attend College two days a week. You will learn through a combination of theory and practical exercises with the practical activities being taught in our well-equipped painting and decorating workshops, and the theory sessions in the classroom. These facilities, as well as our library, allow you to gain hands-on experience and learn the latest techniques and systems. Teaching is delivered by trade competent staff who will explain the relevant theories, demonstrate skills and guide you to achieve your own objectives. The modulised delivery allows you to progress at your own rate. Essential and suggested textbooks are available in the library but you are recommended to purchase your own copies. For each unit there is a timed written end test and at the end of the year you will have a summary practical test and an online knowledge test. Functional Skills are assessed by online assessment.

This couse will lead to Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating and Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT at Level 1. You will have the opportunity to learn in industry standard facilities with industry competent and experienced staff. The College has links with local employers and you will have support finding work within the decorating industry. Many students progress from this course to an Apprenticeship or other employment in the industry. You will learn about Health and Safety and we will put you forward for the CSCS scheme which enables students to find employment. Enrichment opportunities let you learn beyond the normal day-to-day course activies and include a range of guest speakers from local businesses and small employers. Painting and Decorating students enter SkillBuild construction skills competition every year taking part in regional heats initially.

Four GCSEs grade D or above are desirable. You will have an interview and aptitude test to assess whether you have the dexterity for the vocational area.

Historically this course has offered good progression into Apprenticeships with local firms. There is also the chance to progress your studies and gain NVQ Level 2 and 3 in a construction or business services occupation.