Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating 2025-26

This course is designed for those who are experienced in Painting and Decorating, or have completed the Level 1 Diploma, and is an excellent progression route into employment or an apprenticeship.

After completion of the course, you will be able to: Prepare a variety of surface areas, apply standard paint finishes to plaster, metal & wood surfaces, apply standard wallpaper to complex areas and use airless & HVLP spray systems.

The study programme consists of 4 hours per week of Maths and English, 10 hours practical, 2 hours theory and over the course of the year, 46 hours of work experience.

The following areas are covered in the course:

• Prepare Surfaces for Decoration
• Apply Paint Systems by Brush & Roller
• Apply Standard Wallpapers
• Apply Broken Colour Finishes
• Apply Decorative Lines & Bands
• Apply Paint with HVLP Spray Equipment
• Health and Safety in Construction

• Commercial Painter and Decorator
• Commercial Spray Painter
• Domestic Painter and Decorator
• Education and Training
• Health and Safety
• Interior Designer
• Project Manager
• Set Designer for Film / Theatre

...and so much more!

Upon successful completion of the level 2 Diploma, you may progress into employment.

Completion of Level 1 to Merit or Distinction standard, with acceptable levels of attendance, behaviour and motivation

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will be assessed throughout the course, for each unit to be completed you must complete a practical skills test and a theory test. The theory test is completed online and the questions are externally set by CSkills, the practical assessments are completed in the workshop after the completion of each unit.

September 2025

1 Year, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday daytimes. This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.