Quick facts
| Qualification type | Painting and Decorating City & Guilds Level 1 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Math & English GCSEs at grade 3 or above. It is expected in the first instance that the applicant will have a genuine interest in the construction industry and each applicant will be required to attend an interview to ascertain his/her suitability for the course A short aptitude test. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Built Environment Campus, The Milburn Centre, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements |
Yes |
Is it for me?
Our Decorating and Design courses are ideal for you if you want to become a skilled craftsperson and to train for a career in decorating.
Decorating and Design is one of the most rewarding trades to join, and our facilities at West Suffolk College will enable you to gain all the knowledge required for a great start in this industry. This course will provide you with the skills to transform rooms from shabby environments into the dream homes we all want to live in.
You will develop a range of skills in preparing and applying paints, wallpapering and decorating effects such as stencilling or colour effects, combined with the practical aspects of Interior Design.
What you'll learn
- Health and Safety
- Interior Design/ Colour Theory
- Working in Construction
- Working as a Team
- Career Planning
- Positive Attitudes
- Preparing Surfaces for Decorating
- Painting Skills
- Applying Paint Systems by Brush or by Roller
- Wallpapering Skills
- Decorative Effects
Equipment required for the course
Branded uniform, safety boots, bib and brace overalls, course textbook and drawing set. You will also need a basic toolkit (list given at interview).
Work experience placements
During this course you will take part in work experience placement in the sector, which will give you a massive advantage when you are ready to move into employment. This will be arranged with our work placement officer to find you a suitable placement.
Assessment
Assessments will be via assignment work or end of unit tests assessed to meet industrial standards throughout the 36-week course.
Further study
- Building and Property Maintenance Diploma Level 2
- Brickwork Diploma Level 1
- Brickwork Diploma Level 2
- Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 1
- Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 2
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 1
- Painting and Decorating Diploma Level 2
- Plumbing Diploma Level 1
- Plumbing Technical Certificate Level 2
- Introduction to Electrical Installations Level 1
- Electrical Installation Diploma Level 2
- Construction Groundworks and Reinstatement Level 2)
- Advanced Electrical Installation Diploma (8282-30) Level 3
- T Level in Construction Design, Surveying and Planning
Example careers
- Painter
- Decorator
- Interior Designer
Days & times
Starting September 2025
Tuesday 09:15 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:15 - 16:00
Thursday 09:15 - 16:00