Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Leeds – Leeds College of Building – Full-time
CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
About this course
Free Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Leeds. Classes run at Leeds College of Building, full-time during the day, over 36 weeks. You'll learn how to use brushes, rollers, and scrapers; apply oil and water-based paints to walls, ceilings, doors, and windows; work safely with ladders and access towers; prepare surfaces; and hang wallpaper and decorative finishes. An assessment is part of the enrolment process for all applicants. This is a solid starting point for anyone looking to enter the trade.
Who this course is for
How to use painting and decorating tools and equipment e.g. brushes, rollers and scrapers
How to apply various oil/water based paints to different surfaces including windows, doors, ceilings and walls
How to use different types of access equipment safely e.g. ladders and towers
How to prepare different backgrounds ready to apply decorative finishing including wallpaper, paint and decorative effects
How to apply various types of wall coverings including free match, patterned papers and embossed
How to correctly apply decorative finished such as marbling and graining, sponge stippling, stencilling and broken colour
Entry requirements
If you are aged 16-18 you will complete an assessment and attend an interview. If you are aged 19 and over you will complete a basic skills assessment.
What you will learn
You'll use painting and decorating tools including brushes, rollers, and scrapers correctly and safely.
You'll apply oil-based and water-based paints to surfaces such as walls, ceilings, doors, and windows.
You'll use access equipment including ladders and tower scaffolds safely.
You'll prepare different surfaces and backgrounds ready for decorative finishes.
You'll hang various types of wall coverings including wallpaper.
You'll apply decorative paint effects and finishing techniques.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on work at Leeds College of Building. Assessment is based on practical tasks and skills demonstrations, reflecting the real demands of the trade. You'll be assessed on how you use tools, prepare surfaces, and apply finishes. The course runs full-time during the day across 36 weeks.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Leeds College of Building 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 properties.
Decorating labourer. Support role on site while building experience.
Property maintenance operative. Painting and finishing as part of a broader maintenance role.
Self-employed decorator. Work for yourself once you've built skills and experience.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating (City and Guilds). The next step up, covering more complex techniques and preparing you for skilled trade work.
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations. An NVQ route that can support a CSCS skilled-worker card application.
Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating. Combine on-the-job training with further qualifications while earning a wage.
