Painting and Decorating C&G Level 1 Diploma
Course level: 1
Course code: CP0137
07/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
This practical, hands-on qualification is the perfect introduction to the painting and decorating industry. Over the course of a year, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to carry out a range of decorating tasks safely and professionally while gaining an understanding of the standards expected within the construction sector.
Through practical workshop sessions and theory-based learning, you’ll learn key painting and decorating techniques, gain experience with industry tools and materials, and develop an understanding of surface preparation, application methods, and safe working practices. You’ll also build valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping prepare you for further study and future employment.
The Level 1 Diploma provides a strong foundation for progression to higher-level qualifications, apprenticeships, or entry-level opportunities within the construction industry. Construction Diplomas are nationally recognised craft qualifications that are respected by employers and support progression within the sector.
Strong links with Employers
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
To access this course, you are required to:
- Have three or more GCSEs at grade 2 or above (including Maths and English)*
- Attend an interview with a member of the college’s admissions team
- Complete a short online assessment to determine your current skills and knowledge
- You will be expected to maintain good attendance and punctuality, as well as show commitment, a positive attitude to learning, and determination to achieve the qualification.
*Adults without the necessary qualifications but with relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
- Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
- Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
- Show a consistently positive attitude to learning
What will I learn?
During this course you will study the following modules:
- Health , welfare and safety in construction
- Principles of building
- Erect and dismantle access equipment
- Prepare surfaces for decorating
- Apply paint by brush and roller
- Apply foundation and plain papers
- Produce specialist decorative finishes
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Learn about painting and decorating techniques in practical and theory sessions
- Learn about health and safety on construction sites and how important it is
- Find out about various techniques on both paint and paper application and surface preparation
- Improve your communication skills
- Improve your numeracy and literacy skills to prepare you for a life in construction
How will I be assessed?
Your progress will be continually assessed and you will be provided with detailed feedback in order to help you to develop your skills. Your progress will be evaluated through a combination of practical assessments, job related multiple choice assessments at the end of each unit and external tests that are on-line computer based examinations. To gain the diploma you must be successful in achieving all units and passing the synoptic practical test.
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to progress on to the Diploma Level 2 in Painting and Decorating or apply for an apprenticeship in the trade.
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
Discover what life’s like at City of Wolverhampton College
New £61m campus developments
Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.
State-of-the-art facilities
Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.