Painting & Decorating Intermediate (Level 2)
This Level 2 qualification is generally recognised as the minimal level award for the painting and decorating industry. It will give you the confidence to tackle a number of small decorating projects. The study programme will take place in the College's dedicated painting and decorating workshop, which has been developed to give the candidate a varying degree of surfaces to decorate.
My granddad was a Painter and Decorator. When he passed away, I decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps and see whether it was a trade that I enjoyed.
I didn’t know anything about painting and decorating when I started the course, but as I progressed from Level 1 to Level 2 I’ve learnt more and more. I like all the practical skills such as preparing surfaces for decoration, rubbing down the doors and skirting boards before painting, learning how to apply paint using different tools such as brushes and spray equipment, plus paper hanging techniques for papering walls and ceilings.
The painting and decorating facilities at the College were good and they have lots of resources. If we were learning how to paper walls, and we made a mistake and needed to reapply certain sections, there was always enough paper to go around. The tutors were great at helping you if you got things wrong or didn’t understand something. They’d take the time to show you how to do it the correct way. Plus, they have worked in industry, so they really know what skills are important to get a good job.
Jason - Painting & Decorating Level 2
Entry requirements
To begin this study programme you will need...
Duration: 1 Year
- Painting & Decorating Level 1 Diploma with Functional Skills
Duration: 2 Years
- 3 GCSEs at grades 9-2 or A*-G ideally including English and maths, and a keen interest in painting and decorating.
Course content
This study programme will focus on various wall and ceiling coverings, including anaglypta, blown vinyl and vinyl papers. You will also learn about wood graining and marbling, along with a variety of broken colour techniques.
- Subject units:
- Carrying out safe working practices in construction
- Information, quantities and communication with others
- Building methods and construction technology
- Preparing surfaces for decoration
- Applying paint systems by brush and roller
- Applying standard papers to ceilings and walls
- Producing specialist decorative finishes
- Applying water-borne paint systems using HVLP spray equipment
- Erecting and dismantling access equipment and platforms
- English and maths:
If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A*-C, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.
- Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills
- Additional vocational learning and qualifications:
- You will be encouraged to attend the painting and decorating exhibition held in Coventry every November.
- There will also be the opportunity to attend a sustainability course and complete a CSCS Prometric Health and Safety Test.
Assessment methods
Informal assessments will be conducted throughout the study programme, with feedback given to help improve your standards. There will be one online knowledge assessment, eight end of unit assessments (one for each unit), and one practical assessment.
Qualifications
Painting & Decorating CSkills Award Level 2 Diploma
Plus:
- Health, Safety and Environment (CSCS) Card
- English and maths qualifications if required
Further study and career options
After completing this study programme you will have the opportunity to progress on to the Decorative Occupations Level 3 course, following an interview with the tutor.
Additional information
To take part in this study programme you will be required to pay for:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), approximately £30
- Textbooks, approximately £20
- You will also be required to pay approximately £40 to take a CSCS test. This will allow you to complete the mandatory 30 hours’ work experience required as part of this study programme
Funding information
All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance