Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, full-time during the day. This painting and decorating qualification covers the core skills of the trade: surface preparation, applying paint and wallcoverings, and working safely on site. The course runs for one year. Entry requires two GCSEs at grade E (grade 2) or above, and applicants attend an interview and short aptitude test. A strong step toward an apprenticeship or entry-level work in the trade.
Who this course is for
Our Decorating and Design courses are ideal for you if you want to become a skilled craftsperson and to train for a career in decorating.Decorating and Design is one of the most rewarding trades to join, and our facilities at West Suffolk College will enable you to gain all the knowledge required for a great start in this industry. This course will provide you with the skills to transform rooms from shabby environments into the dream homes we all want to live in.You will develop a range of skills in preparing and applying paints, wallpapering and decorating effects such as stencilling or colour effects, combined with the practical aspects of Interior Design.
Entry requirements
Two GCSE's Grade E (2) or above. It is expected in the first instance that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the construction industry and each applicant will be required to attend an interview to ascertain his/her suitability for the course as well as take a short aptitude test.
What you will learn
You'll prepare surfaces correctly before painting or papering.
You'll apply paint and coatings using brushes, rollers, and other tools.
You'll hang wallcoverings and decorative finishes.
You'll work safely and follow health and safety rules on site.
You'll identify and use the right materials and equipment for each job.
You'll understand colour theory and how decorating choices affect a space.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical sessions in the college's workshop facilities, building hands-on skills alongside classroom study. Assessment combines practical tasks, where you demonstrate decorating techniques, with written or knowledge-based assessments covering the theory behind the trade. You'll attend full-time during the day across the academic year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Suffolk College Built Environment 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 decorating.
Decorating labourer. Site support role while building trade experience.
Property maintenance operative. General upkeep including painting and finishing.
Self-employed decorator. Work for yourself once you have further experience and qualifications.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. The natural next step. Builds on Level 1 skills and takes you closer to skilled-worker status.
Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship. Combine work and study. Apprenticeships at Level 2 or Level 3 are the main route into the trade for employed decorators.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Painting and Decorating. The qualification carpenters and decorators typically need for a CSCS skilled-worker card.
