Bricklayers
Up to £43,088 /year
Bricklayers erect and repair brick, pre-cut stone and concrete block structures such as walls, paving, chimney stacks and tunnel lining.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Grade 4 in Maths or English (the other must be a Grade 2 or 3 minimum)
- A genuine interest in painting, decorating and finishing work
- Successful interview with our team
If you haven't yet achieved Grade 4 in both Maths and English, you'll keep working towards them alongside your course, built into your timetable.
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What You'll Learn
Prep It. Paint It. Finish It Right.
Painting and decorating is the trade that makes a job look finished, and getting it right takes real skill. You’ll learn surface preparation and application, the foundations of a clean, professional finish, working hands-on in the workshop with real materials and tools. Alongside the practical work, you’ll cover health and safety in construction and how the industry works.
You’ll build up your skills across a choice of practical tasks, producing work you can be proud of. By the end of the year you’ll have real painting and decorating skills, the site knowledge to back them up, and a clear route to a Level 2 Painter and Decorator apprenticeship, or towards running your own business.
Core Knowledge
- Health and safety in construction
- Introduction to the construction industry
Painting & Decorating Skills
- Surface preparation
- Paint application
- Decorating techniques
- A choice of practical tasks to gain the necessary credits
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Practical tasks and theory.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
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Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Spacious, Well-Equipped Workshops
You'll train in dedicated workshops built for hands-on painting and decorating, led by tutors who've worked in the trade.
Decorating Workshops
Spacious, well-equipped spaces for real prep, painting and decorating work.
Expert Tutors
Every session led by tutors with real painting and decorating experience.
Links With Local Companies
Real experience on live projects, plus national competitions.
Real Workshops · Real Finishes
Student Voice
“
I’ve gained loads of skills that’ll help me in life and in starting my career as a full-time painter and decorator. College has been a great experience—everyone’s treated equally, and the staff are really friendly and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listMental Health & Wellbeing
College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.
Wellbeing supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitment For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 1
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
NOCN
Entry
Grade 4 in Maths or English (other at Grade 2-3 min)
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment
Ready to Learn the Finishing Trade?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk