Level 2 Technical in Painting and Decorating (Direct entry route)

This Level 2 Painting and Decorating course is ideal for learners who want to begin a career in the decorating trade and have already achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English. It’s a direct-entry course that focuses on developing the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.

You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, apply decorative finishes, hang wallpaper, and use access equipment safely. Training takes place in industry-standard workshops, with opportunities for realistic projects, employer engagement, and work experience.

Maths and English

You won’t need to retake GCSEs. Instead, you’ll develop your maths and English through practical tasks, such as calculating surface areas, estimating materials, and reading job specifications.

This course is ideal for learners who are:

• Creative and hands-on
• Motivated to work in the decorating industry
• Reliable, detail-focused, and eager to learn

To join this course, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous qualifications or experience in developing construction skills will be advantageous and may support your application.

Interview and Selection

• You will be required to attend an interview with a member of the Construction team to assess your suitability for the course and discuss your career goals.

Desirable Attributes

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Hardworking and committed to learning
• Motivated to develop practical and theoretical skills
• Reliable, with good time management
• Team players who can also work independently

This course is designed to develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in painting and decorating, preparing you for work in the construction and finishing trades.

Core Modules (Mandatory):

These subjects form the foundation of your training and can be transferred to other construction courses once achieved:

• Health and Safety in a Construction Environment
  Learn how to work safely on-site, including hazard awareness, safe use of tools and materials, and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Principles of Welfare, Health and Safety in Construction Environments
  Understand the responsibilities of employers and employees in maintaining health and wellbeing on construction sites.
• Principles of Working in the Construction Industry
  Gain insight into how the industry operates, including roles, responsibilities, and career pathways.

Trade-Specific Modules (Mandatory):

These subjects focus on developing your painting and decorating skills:

• Access Equipment
  Learn how to safely set up and use ladders, scaffolding, and other access equipment.
• Preparation of Surfaces for Decoration
  Develop techniques for cleaning, sanding, filling, and priming surfaces to ensure a high-quality finish.
• Application of Surface Coatings
  Gain hands-on experience applying paints, varnishes, and other coatings to various surfaces.
• Application of Wallcoverings to Walls and Ceilings
  Learn how to measure, cut, and apply wallpaper and other decorative coverings.
• Spray Equipment
  Understand how to safely operate spray painting equipment for efficient and professional finishes.
• Sanding and Extraction Equipment
  Learn how to use sanding tools and dust extraction systems to prepare surfaces and maintain a clean working environment.

Maths and English:

You will continue to develop Mathematics and English as part of your programme. This is embedded into the curriculum and will be contextual to the trade you are studying.

These subjects are essential for improving your communication, problem-solving, and numeracy skills, which are vital in the construction industry.

Additional Mandatory Elements:

• Work Experience
  You will complete a minimum number of hours in a real construction environment, helping you apply your skills and gain valuable industry insight.
• Major Projects
  You may take part in practical projects that simulate real-world construction tasks, such as building garden walls, brick pillars, or small structures.
• Tutorial Support
  Regular group tutorials and 1-to-1 sessions with your tutor will support your personal and professional development, helping you set goals and stay on track.
• Enrichment Activities
  These may include site visits, guest speakers from the industry, and participation in skills competitions or community projects – all designed to broaden your understanding and experience of the construction sector.

You will learn through a combination of the following methods:

• On-site learning: most of your learning will take place at College, giving you access to industry-standard facilities and equipment.
• Classroom sessions: these will cover the theory and knowledge needed for your qualification.
• Practical workshops: hands-on training in our fully equipped workshops will help you develop your trade skills.
• Online learning: there may be some online tasks or assignments, but these will be kept to a minimum.

We aim to deliver all programmes as advertised. However, we reserve the right to cancel or amend courses that do not recruit sufficient numbers to remain viable.

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your course, you will need to provide the following items:

• Basic stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, etc.)
• Notebook for taking class notes
• Padlock for securing your locker
• Safety footwear (steel toe-capped boots)
• Bib and brace overalls (white) – to protect your clothing during practical sessions
• Safety glasses
• Separate footwear – to be worn when not in workshop areas

Once enrolled, you will also be required to purchase a Derby College Group jumper and polo shirt, which form part of your standard workwear.

As you progress through the course, there is an expectation that you will purchase a basic tool kit. This is usually once you are settled into your studies and have a clearer understanding of the tools you’ll need.

Please note: some costs may be subsidised by the College depending on your circumstances. Speak to your tutor or Student Services for more information.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical and written methods. These may include:

• Unit-based assessments: observation of practical work and judgement against minimum standards.
• Written projects and exam questions: these assess your understanding of theoretical knowledge.
• Real trade projects: you may be required to complete real or simulated trade tasks, which will also be assessed.

Assessment Format

• Where applicable, exams may be online or multiple choice. Please check with your tutor for specific formats.

Further Study at Derby College Group

Upon successful completion of your Level 2 qualification, and provided you meet the progression criteria (including passing both practical and theory assessments), you may be eligible to progress to:

• A Level 3 course in your chosen trade (e.g. Bricklaying, Site Carpentry, Plastering, or Painting and Decorating)
• An apprenticeship, if you secure employment with a suitable construction company

These options will allow you to deepen your technical skills, gain more industry experience, and prepare for supervisory or specialist roles.

Higher Education Opportunities

With further progression to Level 3 and beyond, you could eventually move into Higher Education.
Relevant degree subjects may include:

• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Services Engineering

These qualifications can lead to professional roles in planning, design, and project management within the built environment sector.

Career Opportunities

Completing a Level 2 course can lead to a range of entry-level roles in the construction industry, such as:

• Apprentice Tradesperson (e.g. Bricklayer, Carpenter, Plasterer, Painter and Decorator)
• Property Maintenance Operative
• Groundworker
• Site Labourer
• Trainee Construction Operative

These roles offer valuable experience and can be stepping stones to more advanced positions with further training and qualifications.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk