Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating

Applications open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications close - Open all year

How to apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Broadstairs College.

Application Limits - You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

The Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating at EKC Broadstairs 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.

This course will provide learners with a comprehensive skill set, preparing you for employment or further study in painting and decorating. You will gain hands-on 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.

You will learn through practical lessons in the workshops. Assessment will be through completing a portfolio of work, practical observations, written work and online tests.

This programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job at the end of the course but progressing to Level 3 will give you more career choices and improve your future earning potential. It also opens doors to further studies, like Higher Education and Higher or Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead you from advanced technician or supervisor roles at Level 3 to management or professional status as you continue studying. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade 3, ideally including English and maths.

On successful completion you could move onto a higher level of study or seek employment within the industry.