Level 2 Painting and Decorating Course in Lambeth – London South Bank Technical College – Full-time
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-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. You'll study full-time during the day, covering the core skills and knowledge needed to work as a painter and decorator in domestic, commercial, or industrial settings. The course runs for 36 weeks. 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 apply paint, varnish, and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces.
You'll prepare surfaces correctly before any decorating work begins.
You'll hang wallpaper and other decorative wall coverings.
You'll use brushes, rollers, and spray equipment safely and effectively.
You'll work with colour and pattern to meet client specifications.
You'll follow health and safety practices on site.
You'll understand the materials and tools used across domestic, commercial, and industrial projects.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom and workshop, building skills directly through doing. Assessment combines practical tasks, where you demonstrate techniques, with written or knowledge-based tests. You'll be assessed on your ability to prepare surfaces, apply finishes, and hang wall coverings to industry standards.
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 - how to become a painter and decorator in domestic or commercial settings.
Decorating contractor - run your own painting and decorating business.
Site painter - work on large commercial or industrial construction projects.
Property maintenance operative - painting and finishing as part of a broader maintenance role.
Shopfitter - decorating and finishing work in retail fit-out projects.
What you could study next
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Painting and Decorating - the next step for experienced decorators, and the qualification linked to a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training - if you want to teach painting and decorating skills to others.
Level 2 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment - broadens your knowledge across the construction sector.
