Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus, full-time during the day. To join, you'll need a City and Guilds Level 1 Basic Construction Skills qualification (or equivalent BTEC) and Maths, English, and IT at Entry Level 3 or above. Over one year, you'll cover health and safety, wallpaper hanging, solvent-borne and water-borne finishes, specialist decorative effects, and preparation for the workplace. This is a solid starting point for anyone pursuing a career as a painter and decorator.
Who this course is for
You will study the following on the course:
Health & Safety-
Hanging- preparation and finish wallpapers-
Solvent-bourne and water-bourne finishes-
Specialist decorative effects-
Good practice & links to the construction industry-
Preparation for the workplace-
Classroom based knowledge activities.
Entry requirements
City & Guilds Level 1 Basic Construction Skills (or equivalent BTEC qualification) and Maths- English & IT studies at Entry 3 or above
What you will learn
You'll apply health and safety practices relevant to painting and decorating work.
You'll prepare surfaces and hang a range of wallpapers to a finished standard.
You'll use solvent-borne and water-borne paint finishes correctly.
You'll create specialist decorative effects.
You'll understand good practice and how the construction industry operates.
You'll build the knowledge and habits needed to move into a workplace setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based knowledge activities at Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus. Practical skills are developed alongside taught sessions covering theory, industry standards, and workplace preparation. Assessment is based on the City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma framework, covering both knowledge and practical competence across the units you study.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College and University Centre Woodlands Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Painter and decorator. Entry-level work in residential and commercial settings.
Decorating labourer. Site support role while building further skills.
Property maintenance operative. General upkeep including painting tasks.
Painter's mate. Assisting qualified decorators on larger contracts.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating (City and Guilds). The natural next step. Develops your practical skills further and moves you closer to skilled-worker status on site.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Painting and Decorating. Required for a CSCS skilled-worker card. Completing this level is the route to working as a fully qualified painter and decorator.
Functional Skills Maths or English (Level 1 or 2). Useful if you want to strengthen your core skills alongside your trade training.
