Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you wish to become a Painter & Decorator and are new to the construction industry, or if you are currently working in an associated role, that provides assistance to qualified professionals. The apprenticeship is perfect for demonstrating your competence, because it is a measure of your ability to carry out a range of painting and decorating skills, to criteria that has been set by the industry. The qualification is nationally recognised by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which will enable you to gain the CSCS Blue Card.

Painters and Decorators operate in domestic and commercial properties and undertake the decoration and protection of buildings. Properties include houses, schools, offices, hospitals, factories and construction sites. Working internally or externally, they work individually and/or as part of a team, applying water-borne and/or solvent-borne paint coatings and wallcoverings. They have good knowledge of paint coatings and wallcoverings and understand and comply with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. They are responsible for their own work, achieving a high quality finish at the appropriate pace. They are good problem solvers and communicators and are able to interact effectively with colleagues, clients and other associated trades.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Conforming to general health, safety and welfare

· Applying paint systems by brush and roller

· Conforming to productive working practices

· Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms

· Moving, handling and storing resources

· Preparing surfaces for painting/decorating

· Producing and applying complex stencil designs

· Hanging standard paper wallcoverings

· Hanging wide-width vinyl

· Applying coatings by the air spray method

· Installing coving and decorative mouldings

· Applying coatings to produce textured finishes

· Producing broken colour effects

· Producing stencil designs using pre-cut stencil plates

How will this course be delivered?

You will receive comprehensive training at work and attend college on a day-release basis. From the beginning of your course, your college-appointed assessor coach will prepare you for the End Point Assessment (EPA), by building a portfolio of evidence with you. The assessor coach will visit you in the workplace at regular intervals and support you with your on-programme progression. Within theory classes you will have knowledge assessments and within skills workshops, you will undergo practical skills assessments, which will all go into your portfolio of evidence and prepare you for your final EPA.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 2 Painter & Decorator Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 1 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

Knowledge and learning outcomes will be assessed via externally set on-screen assessments, along with a range of assignments, projects and written assessments, covering theory and practical skills.

Workplace skills will be assessed in the workplace and the apprentice will complete a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their ability against set assessment criteria.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 2 Painter & Decorator programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for construction industry

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. A scientific calculator is required and a set of mathematical instruments, including a protractor and compass. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at College to do this if necessary.

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments. 

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations, or Level 3    NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction