C&G Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
The role of the Painter and Decorator is to prepare and internally and externally paint and decorate buildings and structures to architects’ specifications and industrial standards accurately and consistently. They work inside and outside of buildings repairing and preparing surfaces for decoration and redecoration.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
Following successful studies on the Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, this course is the next step on the way to a career as a Painter and Decorator. You will gain further understanding of the construction industry and have an opportunity to further apply Painting and Decorating skills in a more complex, practical and realistic way. You will follow a programme of study that enables progression to further courses and employment within the construction industry. You will gain confidence by developing independent learning skills, you will also learn how painting and decorating activities are carried out safely and how they contribute to our built environment.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Small class sizes
experienced tutors
industry-standard facilities
links with employers
Learn from sector experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who have all been tradespeople themselves. You will learn to advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the construction industry, with a focus on the job role of Painter and Decorator.
Develop work-related skills
During your programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will prepare you for progression to further studies or full-time work, following completion of your training in college.
Enjoy professional surroundings
We enjoy partnerships with many large suppliers and employers, which will positively impact your experience and allow you to apply and further develop industry-standard painting and decorating skills in a realistic working environment.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
You will be taught painting and decorating in our first-class workshops, classrooms, and IT suites, you will continue to repair, prepare, paint and decorate products, components and structures, and produce specialist paint finishes on your own and in small teams. Of course, it’s not all about practical skills, employers need enthusiastic and engaged employees to meet the demands of the construction industry and to help their business grow. You will therefore need to gain further knowledge of how the construction industry and other trades work together and operate. This will give you the very best opportunity to progress and forge a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry.
If you are a full-time student aged 16-18, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main painting and decorating course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Maths* and work-related experience.
*Should you not achieve at least a 4 in English and Maths you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.
Units that you will study include:
- Principles of building construction, information and communication: The aim of this unit is to provide you with the knowledge of building methods and construction technology, including aspects of job roles, communication, documentation, drawings, energy efficiency, foundations, internal and external walls, floors and roofs.
- Erecting and dismantling working platforms: This unit will enable you to learn about access equipment and erecting and dismantling working platforms, to enable access to a range of buildings and structures as a painter and decorator.
- Preparing surfaces for decoration: This unit will enable you to learn about the preparation of new and pre-painted and decorated surfaces. You will learn how to correct defects, repair and make good surfaces prior to decoration.
- Applying paint systems by brush and roller to complex areas: This unit will build on previous studies and move into complex areas of decoration. You will extend your knowledge in applying water and solvent-based painting and decorating coatings by both brush and roller. You will also learn how to effectively clean your equipment after use so that it can be used again.
- Applying standard papers to walls and ceilings: This unit will extend your knowledge of applying wall coverings, in particular: standard patterned and plain papers to walls and ceilings, using adhesives to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Producing specialist decorative finishes: This unit will give you the knowledge to create various broken colour acrylic and oil-based specialist finishes to a range of materials and components.
- Creating and applying colour: This unit will enable you to learn about colour wheels, the effects of artificial light on colour and applying colours to various backgrounds and surfaces and in various situations.
- Health, safety and welfare in construction Within this unit you will learn about health and safety regulations, roles and responsibilities, accident and emergency reporting procedures and documentation. Together with hazards, health and welfare in the workplace, it also covers working at height, working with electrical equipment and fire emergency procedures.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, which requires a further year of study. Alternatively, you could progress onto a painting and decorating Apprenticeship with a local employer and continue your studies whilst earning money.
There are many opportunities for skilled painters and decorators in the building industry, working for large and small companies or in self-employment. Further study will enable you to work towards more senior roles within the construction industry such as a working Foreperson, Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Clerk of Works or Building Surveyor.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The practical coursework will be assessed through set tasks in our well-equipped workshops. Your knowledge is assessed via internally set test papers and externally set online exams.
Entry Requirements
You will need a grade 2 or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English language or literature. Should you not achieve this you should still apply as each applicant will be invited to attend an interview with the course manager, all successful candidates will gain a place on the programme. A keen interest in the role of Painter and Decorator will be advantageous in pursuing this rewarding and well-paid career.
Information & Support
The student support team is there to support you and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and pastoral issues. The Student Support team will work with your personal tutor to support you in successfully completing your course and pursuing pathways to progress as a Painter and Decorator.
As in the workplace, PPE will be required for the course such as safety boots, goggles etc. You will be provided with a full list of the protective equipment requirements of the course before you start.
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£74,057
Entry Level Salary
£21,496
Average Salary
£40,718
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£76,929
Entry Level Salary
£26,263
Average Salary
£42,297
Annual openings in Cornwall
17
Potential Salary
£75,470
Entry Level Salary
£26,130
Average Salary
£41,495
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£102,462
Entry Level Salary
£25,633
Average Salary
£48,719
Annual openings in Cornwall
62
Potential Salary
£56,520
Entry Level Salary
£25,569
Average Salary
£38,767
Annual openings in Cornwall
17
Potential Salary
£37,015
Entry Level Salary
£12,397
Average Salary
£24,823
Annual openings in Cornwall
65
Potential Salary
£47,144
Entry Level Salary
£14,486
Average Salary
£31,041
Annual openings in Cornwall
36
Potential Salary
£70,887
Entry Level Salary
£23,676
Average Salary
£46,675
Annual openings in Cornwall
