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Painter in red overalls applying paint to a wall, showcasing painting and decorating courses.

Painting and Decorating - Level 2

Summary

This course is for anyone who is interested in developing specialist skills in painting and decorating either with a view to undertaking DIY projects to a good standard of finish or as the basis for further study with the intention of going into the trade.

During the course, you will be develop some of the basic techniques that are used in the industry and practise them in our purpose built workshop. You will learn how to prepare surfaces for decorating, how to apply paint using a brush or roller, and how to paste and hang paper. You will also learn about the materials and tools required to produce a professional finish, for example, what types of paint are suitable for different applications and what is the best brush for cutting in.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
02 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Achievement of this qualification demonstrates to an employer you have the necessary technical skills and knowledge to be hired as a Painter and Decorator.

Key information

Entry Requirements

If you're 16-18 and want to work in construction joinery, this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to progress.

4 GCSEs grade 3 - 2 including English and Maths, along with the following:

  • A successful interview with a tutor
  • The ability to study independently
  • A genuine interest in the subject
  • Good communication skills
  • Hardworking approach towards the industry

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

Extended Technical Occupational Entry for Painting and Decorating (Diploma)

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

All construction students must adhere to health and safety legislation when in our workshops, which will require purchasing and wearing the following items for practical activities:

  • Safety boots
  • Safety helmet
  • Hi-vis vest
  • Work trousers
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

All the above items can be purchased from local suppliers for a total cost of approximately £45. If you have issues funding these items, please speak to your course tutor.

For class-based learning you will also need to bring paper, pens and a folder, in which to keep all your revision and notes.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: City and Guilds

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

What will I learn?

This course features the following mandatory units:

  • Principles of Construction
  • Internal Plastering and Fixing Sheet Materials
  • Applying External Plain Rendering
  • Floor Screed Systems
  • Direct Bond, Taping and Jointing

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Work placement is a mandatory element of the study programme for all 16-18 year olds.

Students will spend a minimum of 20 hours in a relevant work placement, this can be achieved in a number of ways such as work on local projects, community challenge work or with an employer.

Students are encouraged to look for their work experience independently.

How will I learn?

At Blackpool and The Fylde College we recognise that all students learn differently and our tutors work with you to ensure that their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.

This qualification consists of 5 hours per week classroom based learning for your underpinning knowledge and 7 hours per week workshop.

Your tutors ensure that demonstrations are used whenever possible so you can see the practical skill being used so you can then practise the skill. Following demonstrations, you will then have hands on practical time where you will be implementing the skill learned.

There will be dedicated individual/self-study time which needs to be supported by your own study out of the College learning environments.

E-learning is also a key element of all our courses and will involve you using our Canvas platform for independent study and learning.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

This course is part of the City & Guilds Technical Level Qualifications and as such is assessed in a number of ways.

You will sit the externally set and marked examination that will consist of short answer questions, multiple choice and detailed answer questions.

Your practical skills will also be assessed in a number of ways. During the course your practical skills will be assessed to ensure competency and prepare you for the final synoptic assessment.

All of the grades for the externally set exam and synoptic assessment will then be calculated so you will complete the overall year with a fail, pass, merit, distinction or distinction star grade.

On successful completion of the course, your certificate will detail the grades you have achieved.

Assessment weighting for this course is as follows:

  • External Exam = 40%
  • Graded synoptic Assessment = 60%

Please note: you will only be given one opportunity to re-sit the external examinations and the final graded synoptic.