Where will this course lead?

Our Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating is ideal for those wishing to begin pursuing a practical career in the construction industry with a vision to go in to self employment or on to a Level 2 Diploma. Ideally you will have some previous knowledge of the trade or can demonstrate some basic practical skills.

What will I study?

You will study the following on the course:

  • Health & Safety,
  • Hanging, preparation and finish wallpapers,
  • Solvent-bourne and water-bourne finishes,
  • Specialist decorative effects,
  • Good practice & links to the construction industry,
  • Preparation for the workplace,
  • Classroom based knowledge activities.

How will this course be delivered?

Three quarters of this course involves practical assignments in the Painting and Decorating workshop and the rest is based around knowledge based activities. Our dedicated painting and decorating lecturers strive to deliver training at the highest level.

What qualifications will I get?

Diploma in Painting and Decorating (QCF)

How will I be assessed?

To pass this course you will have to successfully complete all practical and theory assessments and pass an on line end test. All assessments are carried out by qualified assessors to the required qualification standard.

How do I get a place on the course?

If successful, places are offered after interview and an assessment of your Maths & English.

What are the entry requirements?

GCSE grade 3 in Mathematics and English and be genuinely interested in the construction industry. Entry will be subject to a satisfactory reference and interview.

What else do I need to know?

You will be required to provide safety boots and appropriate clothes to wear in the workshop. You will also be expected to provide your on stationary e.g. pens, pencils and A4 folders. Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes.

If you haven't achieved an A*/9 - C/4 grade in English or Maths at GCSE, or a Level 2 Functional Skill, you will also be working towards a qualification in English or Maths at a level that will enable you to progress towards these grades. If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too. Solihull College and University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

If you successfully pass this course you can apply to progress on to the L2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. Learners who have a high standard of attendance and have demonstrated a positive attitude can be recommended for any available apprenticeships.

Location

Woodlands Campus

Start Date

Sept-2026

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 year olds

Course Code

BUEAA052CCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Painter/Decorator

Those working in this unit group apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other protective and decorative materials to interior and exterior walls and surfaces, paint designs on wood, glass, metal, plastics and other materials, and stain, wax and french polish wood surfaces by hand.

What’s Involved?

Painters/Decorators erect working platforms or scaffolding up to five metres in height. They prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding and filling cracks and holes with appropriate filler. They apply primer, undercoat and finishing coat(s) using brush, roller, or spray equipment. They also mix adhesive or remove self-adhesive backing and position covering material on wall, matching up patterns where appropriate and removing wrinkles and air bubbles by hand or brush. They stain, wax and french polish wood surfaces by hand.

Construction Project Manager

Job holders in this unit group manage and oversee major construction and civil engineering projects and major building contracts for quality of work, safety, timeliness and completion within budget; forecast travel patterns and develop strategies for managing the impact of traffic-related demand.

What’s Involved?

Construction Project Managers draw up budgets and timescales for new construction projects based on clients' requirements. They brief project team, contractors and suppliers. They also assemble information for invoicing at the end of projects. They plan work schedules for construction projects based on prior discussion with architects, surveyors etc. They hire and may supervise site staff, establish temporary site offices, take delivery of materials. They also regularly inspect and monitor progress and quality of work, ensure legal requirements are met. They identify defects in work and propose corrections. They record, monitor and report progress; They forecast the impact on traffic and transport of new developments (e.g. shopping centre). They also assess schemes to manage traffic such as congestion charging and parking controls. They examine accident 'blackspots' to improve road safety. They write reports for funding bids and planning authorities and act as expert witness.

Construction Operative

Workers in this unit group operate insulating equipment, fix plasterboard or dry linings to ceilings and walls, help construct, maintain, repair and demolish buildings and clean and resurface eroded stonework, lay, join and examine pipe sections for drainage, gas, water or similar piping systems and carry out a variety of other construction operative tasks.

What’s Involved?

Construction Operatives fill machine with insulating mixture, position hose, drill access hole and fill cavities or coat surfaces to prevent loss or absorption of heat and provide fire protection. They select appropriate plasterboard or dry lining panels, cut them to required size and fix them to ceilings and walls. They also cut, shape and fit wood, lay bricks and tiles, clean exterior surfaces of buildings and resurface eroded stone or brickwork, and perform other tasks in the construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings. They select appropriate asbestos, clay, concrete, plastic or metal pipe sections and lower them into prepared trenches using hoisting equipment. They joint pipes by sealing with rubber, cement, lead, etc., connect piping to manholes and attach pipe junctions as required. They test joints with electronic test equipment or by filling piping with water, smoke or compressed air.

Facilities Manager

Job holders within this unit group manage shopping centres, residential areas and private estates, and arrange for the sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients and employers.

What’s Involved?

A Facilities Manager determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements. They manage general upkeep, maintenance and security of the estate's amenities. They make sure that the amenities meet health and safety standards and legal requirements. They also advise on energy efficiency. They discuss client's requirements and may advise clients on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes. They conduct or arrange for structural surveys of properties and undertake any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land, and deal with grant and subsidy applications. They negotiate land or property purchases and sales or leases and tenancy agreements and arrange legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties. They also maintain or arrange for the maintenance of estate accounts and record and produce financial forecasts. They act as arbiter in disputes between landlord and tenant and ensure that both fulfil their legal obligations. They examine and assess housing applications, advise on rent levels, investigate complaints and liaise with tenants' association and social workers to resolve any family problems.

Caretaker

Caretakers supervise and undertake the care and maintenance of buildings, their facilities, fixtures and contents.

What’s Involved?

A caretaker supervises and/or undertakes the cleaning and maintenance of premises; controls heating, lighting and security systems; undertakes minor repairs and notifies owner of need for major repairs; checks fire and safety equipment for adequate functioning and more.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.