Painting and Decorating
Attendance: Full Time
Course level: 1
Location: Wellington Road Campus
Course code: X0060
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
If you enjoy practical work, have an eye for detail and want to build a career in the construction industry, our Painting & Decorating courses will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
Through a combination of hands-on workshop activities and theory-based learning, you’ll learn professional decorating techniques, surface preparation methods and safe working practices while gaining experience with industry-standard tools, materials and equipment. Whether you’re taking your first step into the trade or looking to develop your skills to an industry-recognised standard, these qualifications provide a clear route into employment, apprenticeships and further study.
Our nationally recognised City & Guilds qualifications are respected by employers across the construction industry and are designed to prepare you for a successful career in painting and decorating.
Additional course information
Industry-standard training
You’ll learn in dedicated workshops designed to replicate real working environments, helping you develop practical skills using professional tools, materials and decorating equipment.
Strong employer links
As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from our strong relationships with employers across the construction industry. These partnerships help ensure your training remains current and relevant through:
- Employer-led activities and demonstrations
- Guest speakers from industry
- Work placement opportunities
- Access to industry-standard materials and equipment
- Careers and progression guidance
Qualifications available
- City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Painting & Decorating
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Painting & Decorating
The level you study will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and career goals.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
Level 1 Painting & Decorating
- Three or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths*
- Attend an interview with a member of the admissions team
- Complete a short online assessment
- Maintain good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
- Show commitment and determination to achieve the qualification
*Adults without the required qualifications but with relevant work or life experience may be considered on an individual basis.
Level 2 Painting & Decorating
- Level 1 Painting & Decorating qualification
- Good attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning
- A positive attitude and determination to achieve the qualification
Applications from adults with relevant industry 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?
Level 1
You may study:
- Health, welfare and safety in construction
- Principles of building construction
- Erecting and dismantling access equipment
- Preparing surfaces for decorating
- Applying paint by brush and roller
- Applying foundation and plain papers
- Producing specialist decorative finishes
Level 2
You may study:
- Safe working practices
- Information, quantities and communication
- Building methods and construction technology
- Erecting and dismantling access equipment
- Preparing surfaces for decoration
- Applying paint by brush and roller
- Applying foundation and plain papers
- Producing specialist decorative finishes
- Specialist decorative techniques including marbling and wood graining
What skills will I gain?
By studying Painting & Decorating you will:
- Develop practical painting and decorating skills
- Learn professional surface preparation techniques
- Gain experience using industry-standard tools and equipment
- Develop skills in paint and wallpaper application
- Learn specialist decorative finishing techniques
- Gain an understanding of construction health and safety requirements
- Improve communication and teamwork skills
- Develop problem-solving and organisational skills
- Build confidence working to professional industry standards
- Improve numeracy and literacy skills used within the construction industry
Level 2 advanced skills
Learners progressing to Level 2 will also develop:
- Advanced decorating techniques
- Specialist paper hanging skills
- Decorative effects including marbling and wood graining
- Greater understanding of construction technology and working practices
- Enhanced practical skills for employment within the industry
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is carried out throughout the course and includes:
- Practical workshop assessments
- Continuous tutor observation and feedback
- Job-related multiple-choice assessments
- Online examinations
- Synoptic practical assessments
- Portfolio-based evidence
To achieve the qualification, you must successfully complete all required units and assessments.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of a Painting & Decorating qualification can lead to:
- Progression from Level 1 to Level 2 study
- Progression to Level 3 Painting & Decorating
- Construction apprenticeships
- Employment within the construction industry
- Specialist decorative finishing opportunities
Potential career areas include:
- Painter and Decorator
- Decorative Finisher
- Property Maintenance Operative
- Construction Apprentice
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Facilities Maintenance Operative
- Heritage Decorator
- Self-Employed Painter and Decorator
- Site Decorating Operative
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
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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.