Key Facts

  • Starting
    Throughout the year
    Location
    Carshalton College Main Site
    Duration
    1 Year
    Study Mode
    Combination of work and study
    Start Date
    Throughout the year
    Level
    Level 2
    Code
    CCO2090AS

    Apply

Finishing Trades Foundation Level 2 Apprenticeship

Finishing Trades Foundation Level 2 Apprenticeship

Print
Email

Start your career in painting, decorating, tiling or floor laying with this paid, hands-on apprenticeship. This programme blends real workplace experience with structured learning aligned to the national occupational standard.

Foundation Apprenticeships are paid, work-based training programmes for young people aged 16 to 21 (up to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan). They combine paid employment with structured off-the-job learning over a minimum of 8 months.

  • Entry Requirements


    To be an apprentice you must have suitable employment. Individual employers will set their selection criteria. For Foundation Apprenticeships, you are not required to have previously achieved GCSE Maths and English at grades 9 to 4 or Functional Skills Level 2. However, you will be expected to be working towards these qualifications during your apprenticeship. Please note that passing Maths and English is not a requirement for successfully completing your apprenticeship. The college will ask you to complete a maths and English assessment to ascertain your current working knowledge of maths and English

  • Course Content


    You'll develop foundational technical skills in surface preparation, applying finishes, using materials correctly and carrying out supervised finishing tasks in domestic and commercial settings. Alongside this, you will build essential workplace behaviours including teamwork, communication, reliability and customer awareness.

    Health and safety, environmental responsibility, equality and inclusion are embedded throughout the programme to ensure you are workplace-ready and professionally confident.

    • Practical experience in core finishing trade techniques
    • Understanding of health, safety, PPE and environmental responsibilities
    • Confidence using tools, materials and equipment correctly
    • Development of professional behaviours employers value
    • A nationally recognised Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship qualification
    • Eligibility for a CSCS Industry Placement card
    • Clear progression into employment or Level 2/3 specialist apprenticeships

  • Progression Next Steps


    Opportunities to specialise in a chosen trade. Progression to Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships in construction . Careers as painting, decorating, tiling or floor laying.

  • Additional Information


    Benefits for Learners

    • Earn while you learn in a real construction environment
    • Develop occupational competence aligned to industry expectations
    • Build confidence through structured mentoring and support
    • Strengthen English and maths in a practical setting
    • Access clear career progression routes within construction

    Benefits for Employers

    • Develop work-ready apprentices trained to national standards
    • A structured 8-month programme offering a flexible and lower-risk entry point into apprenticeship recruitment
    • Increase productivity through structured workplace training
    • Reduce recruitment risk by developing talent internally
    • Support workforce growth and succession planning
    • Strengthen partnership with South Thames Colleges Group
    • Eligible employers receive £1,000 where the apprentice is aged 16 to 18 (or 19 to 24 with an EHCP) in line with DfE funding rules
    • Under DfE Apprenticeship funding Rules 25/26 the employer qualifies for up to £2,000 per foundation apprentice, subject to retention and progression.

    If you are an employer and interested in any of our Apprenticeships for your staff, please email our dedicated Apprenticeship team at [business@stcg.ac.uk]

  • Course Structure


    Finishing Trades Foundation Level 2 Apprenticeship, usually lasting around 8 to 10 months, with one day per week attending Carshalton College for your off the job training.

    During your college time you will cover;

    • Technical knowledge and skills for the construction sector
    • Employability skills and behaviours (teamwork, communication, time keeping, customer service).
    • English and maths support where needed.

  • Assessment Details


    The assessment is organised into three Assessment Outcome (AOs) that run through the programme.

    • AO1: Core knowledge: mainly tested by set written/digital assessments on safety, sustainability, regulations, roles and wider employability knowledge.
    • AO2: General construction practices: assessed through tasks and evidence that show you can work safely on a construction site, understand basic building requirements, follow instructions, prepare and maintain work areas, and behave professionally.
    • AO3: Materials, tools and tasks (finishing trades): assessed through practical tasks and evidence where you select and use finishing materials, handle tools safely, and complete simple finishing and repair tasks to the required standard.

    You also build a portfolio/log of work, showing what you have done on site and in training sessions, linked back to the knowledge and skills statements