Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Chesterfield – Chesterfield College – Part-time
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Chesterfield College lists a fee of £1,206 if you're not eligible. Contact Chesterfield College for more info.
Level 1 Painting and Decorating Course in Chesterfield. Daytime classes run at Chesterfield College, one day a week over a year, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll cover the core skills of the trade: preparing surfaces, applying paint and wallcoverings, and working safely on site. No specific entry requirements. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you. A practical, hands-on painting and decorating qualification that gives you a solid foundation for entry-level work in the trade.
Who this course is for
Adult Learners
Entry requirements
No specific entry requirements.
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 other tools to interior surfaces.
You'll hang wallcoverings, including measuring, cutting, and pasting.
You'll identify and use the correct materials and equipment for different jobs.
You'll follow health and safety procedures relevant to painting and decorating work.
You'll work to industry standards for finish quality and surface preparation.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a workshop environment alongside classroom-based teaching. Assessment is through practical tasks and observations that test your ability to carry out decorating work to a set standard. You may also complete written or knowledge-based assessments covering materials, tools, and safe working practices.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chesterfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Painter and decorator apprentice: entry-level role with on-site training
Decorator's labourer: support work preparing and finishing surfaces
Property maintenance operative: painting and upkeep across residential or commercial sites
Facilities assistant: interior maintenance including decorating tasks
Self-employed decorator: build toward running your own painting work
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating (City and Guilds): the next step for anyone wanting to work as a qualified painter and decorator. Covers more complex techniques and leads toward a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Level 2 NVQ in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations: a work-based route that assesses your skills on the job, useful if you move into employment or an apprenticeship.
