Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course in Lambeth – London South Bank Technical College – Part-time
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free if you're 19 to 23 and this is your first full Level 2 or if you're on certain benefits. Fees apply if you're not eligible. Contact South Bank Colleges for more info.
Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course in Lambeth. Classes run at London South Bank Technical College. Daytime sessions run over 36 weeks part-time, giving you time to manage other commitments alongside your studies. You'll cover a broad range of practical skills used in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. To enrol, you'll need two GCSEs at grades A* - D (or 9 - 3), including English Language, or a Level 1 vocational qualification alongside a Level 1 English qualification.
Who this course is for
Is your ambition to become a fully-qualified painter and decorator? Do you want a career in the domestic, commercial or industrial contracting sector? Is it your dream to be your own boss and start you own painting and decorating business in the future? If you answer to any of those questions is yes, then this course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help achieve your goals.The Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating is designed to teach you a broad range of essential skills; from the basic preparation of surfaces for decorating, erecting and dismantling access equipment, and applying standard paper to walls and ceilings, through to more advanced techniques such as creating exact colours, producing specialist decorative finishes, and applying paint to complicated areas.As well as learning practical skills during hands-on sessions in our workshop, you will also develop your industry knowledge during classroom-based lessons. You will learn about the principles of building construction, information and communication, as well as gaining essential knowledge of health, safety, and welfare in construction.Whether youre looking to advance on to further study, seek an apprenticeship, or go straight into employment, the Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating will teach you the basic knowledge, skills and techniques you need to become a confident and professional painter and decorator.Note - Safety boots are required.
Entry requirements
2 GCSE qualifications at grades A*-D or 9-3, including English Language* Level 1 vocational qualification and a Level 1 English qualification
What you will learn
You'll prepare surfaces for painting and decorating, including filling, sanding, and priming.
You'll apply paint using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment to a professional standard.
You'll hang wallpaper and apply decorative finishes to walls and ceilings.
You'll work safely on site, following health and safety regulations.
You'll use and maintain tools and equipment correctly.
You'll understand the properties of different paints, coatings, and materials.
You'll plan and organise decorating work to meet specifications and timescales.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of practical workshop sessions and classroom-based theory. Assessment combines hands-on practical tasks, where you demonstrate your skills directly, with written or knowledge-based assessments covering the underpinning theory. You'll be assessed on your ability to carry out decorating work to industry standards across a range of surfaces and techniques.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. London South Bank Technical College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Painter and decorator: work on domestic, commercial, or industrial sites.
Self-employed decorator: run your own painting and decorating business.
Maintenance painter: keep buildings and facilities in good condition.
Shopfitter: decorating and finishing work in retail environments.
Property refurbishment operative: preparing and decorating homes for sale or let.
What you could study next
NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating: the next step for decorators wanting to take on more complex work and demonstrate advanced competence to employers.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: if you want to teach painting and decorating skills to others.
CSCS Card (Skilled Worker): once you hold a relevant Level 3 NVQ, you can apply for a skilled-worker card, which many construction sites require.
