Skip to content

Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating

Student using a paintbrush and painting a wall, stopped to look at the camera.

Course overview


The Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating at EKC Folkestone College is a
practical course designed to help you begin a career in the painting and
decorating industry. You will learn the essential skills, techniques and
industry knowledge needed to work confidently on a wide range of decorating
projects, whether inside homes, commercial spaces or other buildings.


You’ll spend most of your time learning in our industry-standard workshops,
using real tools and materials under the guidance of experienced tutors. You’ll
build practical skills in preparing surfaces, applying coatings, creating
decorative finishes and working safely and effectively on different types of
work.


Throughout the course, you will develop both practical and theoretical
understanding, including health and safety, information and communication in
construction, and modern painting systems. You will practise preparing surfaces
for decoration, applying paint with brushes and rollers, and learning advanced
techniques such as specialist decorative finishes and wall coverings.


This course not only teaches you industry-standard decorating skills but also
helps you build confidence, teamwork and communication skills, all qualities
that employers value highly in the construction sector.

Course information


This course will provide learners with a comprehensive skill set, preparing
you for employment or further study in painting and decorating. You will gain
valuable experience and develop the practical and theoretical skills used by
professionals in the industry.


Core units of the qualification include:



  • Health, Safety and Welfare – understanding safe working practices on site
    and in workshops

  • Information, Quantities and Communication – learning to read plans,
    calculate materials, and communicate effectively

  • Construction Technology – understanding how buildings are constructed and
    prepared for decoration

Practical areas of study include:



  • Erecting and dismantling access equipment and working platforms

  • Preparing surfaces for protection and decoration

  • Applying coatings using brushes and rollers

  • Applying wall coverings to ceilings and walls

  • Producing advanced decorative finishes

  • Carrying out specialist architectural feature work

  • Applying water-borne paint systems using airless equipment

Throughout the course, you will practise these skills in our well-equipped,
industry-standard workshops, gaining real-world experience. You will also have
the opportunity to take part in national skills competitions, such as KFE4Skills , and contribute to community projects, including
Spring Community Week , giving you the chance to apply your
skills on real projects that benefit local organisations.