Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run full-time during the day at Bishop Auckland College. Over one year, you'll build the practical hand skills and technical knowledge used in the trade. You'll learn to prepare surfaces, apply paint with brushes and rollers, and hang wallpaper. The course also covers health and safety, construction principles, and working platforms. No formal painting and decorating qualifications are needed to apply.
Who this course is for
Does your interest lie in developing specialist skills in painting and decorating? Then this is the course for you. Students who want to go into the trade will develop basic techniques and hand skills used within industry, as well as underpinning knowledge to support health and safety and general principles within the construction industry. You will learn how to prepare surfaces for decorating, apply paint using a brush or roller, and how to paste and hang paper. You will also learn about the materials and tools required to produce a professional finish. Course enrichment includes working with local employers and site visits. Progression from this course could lead to the Level 2 full time programme or an apprenticeship
Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements in painting and decorating, English and maths GCSE Grade 4 or above an advantage but not essential
What you will learn
You'll learn how to prepare surfaces ready for decoration.
You'll practise applying paint systems using brushes and rollers.
You'll learn how to paste and hang wallpaper, including foundation and plain papers.
You'll study safe working practices and health and safety in construction.
You'll learn how to erect and dismantle working platforms safely.
You'll develop knowledge of building methods and construction technology.
You'll learn about the tools and materials needed to produce a professional finish.
You'll work toward producing specialist decorative finishes.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on work at Bishop Auckland College. The course includes site visits and work with local employers. Assessment covers both practical skills and underpinning knowledge across the units, including safe working practices, surface preparation, paint application, and decorative finishes.
What you will need to bring
You'll need safety footwear and white overalls. Both can be purchased from Bishop Auckland College before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Painter and decorator. Entry-level trade work in residential and commercial settings.
Decorating labourer. Site support role while building further skills.
Maintenance operative. General property upkeep including painting and surface prep.
Self-employed decorator. Working independently once you've built trade experience.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. The natural next step after Level 1. Builds on what you've learned and takes you to a higher standard of trade skill.
Level 2 or Level 3 Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship. Earn while you learn and gain on-the-job experience with an employer. The provider notes this as a direct route after completing the Level 1 Diploma.
