Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Widnes. Classes run full-time at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. The course takes one year and covers the core skills of the trade: safe working practices, preparing surfaces, applying paint by brush and roller, hanging wallpaper, and producing decorative finishes. You'll also work on out-of-college projects that put those skills into practice. Entry is based on your GCSE results and an interview, which will determine the right level for you.
Who this course is for
Aimed at School Leavers. The course will cover the following topics: Safe Working Practices, Information, Quantities and Communication with Others, Building Methods and Construction, Erect and dismantle working platforms, Prepare surfaces, Applying paint systems by brush and roller, Apply foundation and plain papers, produce specialist decorative finishes. The practical work you will undertake will prepare you for real life situations. You will complete out of college projects designed to support the community and allow you to gain valuable experience on site.
Entry requirements
Specific course entry criteria alongside your GCSE results will determine the level you start at. Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about the individual entry requirements and level in the course information on the college website or at your interview.
What you will learn
You'll apply safe working practices on site and at height.
You'll erect and dismantle working platforms correctly.
You'll prepare surfaces for painting and decorating.
You'll apply paint systems using brush and roller.
You'll hang foundation and plain wallpapers.
You'll produce specialist decorative finishes.
You'll read information, calculate quantities, and communicate with others on a job.
You'll develop an understanding of building methods and construction.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practical work at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. Out-of-college projects give you experience applying skills in real settings. Assessment is based on practical tasks and coursework completed throughout the year. Your progress will be reviewed as you work through each topic area.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Painter and decorator: the core trade this qualification points toward.
Decorating labourer: entry-level site support while building experience.
Maintenance operative: painting and upkeep work in housing or facilities.
Shopfitter's assistant: interior finishing work in retail and commercial fit-outs.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating (City and Guilds): the next step for those wanting to develop trade skills further and work toward a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Painting and Decorating: for experienced decorators looking to demonstrate full occupational competence.
Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2: supports apprenticeship applications and further study.
