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Level 1 in Painting and Decorating

Level 1 in Painting and Decorating

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Kick-start your future in the construction industry with our brand-new Level 1 Painting and Decorating course starting in 2026–27. Whether you're creative, practical, or just love seeing a space transformed, this hands-on programme gives you a solid introduction to one of the most in-demand trades.

Painting and decorating is a career where your work is visible, valued, and varied, from refreshing interiors to restoring heritage buildings. This course is the first stepping stone into that world. You'll learn real trade skills in our fully equipped workshops, using industry-standard tools, materials, and techniques.

Throughout the programme, you will develop confidence working safely, accurately, and professionally. You'll explore colour, finishes, materials, and surface preparation, plus get a feel for what it's like to work on real projects. Our expert tutors bring years of trade experience, meaning you'll learn exactly what employers look for.

If you enjoy practical work, problem solving, and seeing instant results from your effort, this course is your opportunity to start shaping a career in construction. No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to an Open Event event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    3 x GCSE's at any grade including Maths and English or previous vocational qualification.

    Don't have any formal qualifications? Let us know and we can assess you to ensure you will be able to achieve well on the course. We will carry out an initial assessment to ensure that you are able to cope with the level of programme.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish! Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    The course blends practical skills with essential knowledge to help you start building a strong foundation in painting and decorating. You will cover:

    Core Mandatory Units:

    • Construction Health and Safety – Learn how to work safely on-site, understand hazards, PPE, signage, and safe working practices. (NOCN Mandatory Unit)
    • Skills for Painting and Decorating – Gain hands-on experience preparing surfaces, applying paints and wallpapers, choosing materials, and using tools correctly.
    • Further Skills for Painting and Decorating – Strengthen your competence with more advanced techniques, decorative finishes, and planning tasks.

    Optional Skills (as available): depending on group needs, you may also explore:

    • Repairing and maintaining plasterwork
    • Repairing masonry
    • Access equipment and working platforms
    • Environmental awareness in construction
    • Personal wellbeing in construction
    • Cost calculations
    • Construction multiskills
    • A community construction project

    By the end of the course, you'll understand the expectations of the construction industry, how to work safely, and how to carry out a range of painting and decorating tasks to a professional standard.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Achieving this qualification opens the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities. Many learners progress on to:

    • Level 2 Painting and Decorating
    • Other Level 2 Construction Trades
    • Apprenticeships in Painting and Decorating
    • Apprenticeships across the wider construction industry

    With further training, career paths include:

    • Painter and Decorator
    • Site Painter
    • Specialist Finisher
    • Property Maintenance Operative
    • Self-employed decorator

    This course gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take the next step into a skilled, rewarding trade.

  • Additional Information


    • You will work in fully equipped workshops that reflect real construction environments.
    • PPE (including safety boots and overalls) is required: details will be provided before enrolment.
    • You will take part in community-based and employer-linked projects.
    • Attendance and punctuality are essential for success in vocational study programmes.

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment is practical, fair, and designed to help you build confidence. To complete the qualification, you will:

    • Complete practical assessments in our workshops, demonstrating the skills you've learned.
    • Produce written or verbal evidence showing your understanding of techniques, materials, and safety requirements.
    • Take part in externally set assessments, including online multiple-choice tests for key units such as Construction Health and Safety (Pass/Fail).
    • Present authentic evidence of your own work—NOCN requires all evidence to be valid, sufficient, reliable, and your own.

    Assessment is continuous, meaning your skills are measured as you develop them. All assessments are designed to be supportive, inclusive, and accessible for all learners.

  • Teaching and Learning


    You'll learn through a mix of practical tasks, demonstrations, guided workshops, and structured classroom sessions. Our approach focuses on:

    • Hands-on Learning: Most of your time will be spent developing real trade skills in our specialist workshops under expert supervision.

    • Skilled, Experienced Tutors Your tutors are industry professionals with years of on-site experience. They'll demonstrate techniques, coach you through tasks, and help you build confidence every step of the way.

    • Active, Engaging Lessons You'll take part in:

    -Practical projects -Group activities -Safe tool-handling sessions -Real-world problem solving -Industry-informed tasks

    *Personal Development We'll help you build key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience, health and safety awareness, and professionalism.

    *Supportive Learning Environment All assessments, activities, and resources are designed to be inclusive and accessible. You'll receive ongoing feedback, support, and 1:1 guidance to help you progress.