Construction
NPA Painting and Decorating (Pre-Apprenticeship)
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
If you are pursuing a career in Painting and Decorating, this course is for you. This award will give you the skills you need to enter the construction industry.
You will be encouraged to gain a work placement with an employer within the painting and decorating trade for the duration of this course. These opportunities will be supported by your college lecturers but are not mandatory.
This course is taught in Edinburgh College classrooms and our workshops, where you will gain essential, hands-on, and real-life experience in the construction trade.
This course is a stepping stone towards an apprenticeship or employment as a painter or decorator, which can lead to further learning of specialised skills. The course is based at Edinburgh College’s Granton campus.
What you will learn
- Preparing and Painting Surfaces
- Decorative Painting
- Decorative Treatments
- Colour Practice
- Paperhanging
- Coating Timber Surfaces
- Health and Safety
- Working Safely at Height
- Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
- Numeracy and Drawing
- Information and Communication Technology
- Employability and Behavioural Skills
How the course is assessed
- Course will be assessed throughout your time at college, both in the workshop and also in the classroom.
Number of days per week
2.5 Days per week.
- Tuesday = 1/2 Day
- Wednesday = Full Day
- Thursday = Full Day
Entry requirements
- You must have gained a pass in National 4 English and Mathematics or completed NPA Construction at level 4, SCP Construction Programme or Introduction to Construction at College
- Genuine interest in pursuing a career in Painting and Decorating.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Be clear in your personal statement why a career in Painting and Decorating is appealing to you.
- If you meet the entry requirements you will be invited in for an interview. After which, offers will be made.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- This course provides the underpinning skills and knowledge, to gain an apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating.
Career options
- Painting and Decorating - NPA is designed to provide the skills required to seek an apprenticeship in the area.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
