Bricklaying - Pre-Apprenticeship: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Add colour and creativity to your career in construction.
The NQ Painting and Decorating (Pre-Apprenticeship Level 5) course gives you the hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and confidence to begin your journey towards a craft apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating.
You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, apply paint and decorative finishes, and understand how colour, materials, and techniques come together to transform spaces. Alongside these practical skills, you’ll also build confidence in Health & Safety, construction numeracy, and employability skills, preparing you for work in a professional setting.
Delivered through workshop training, classroom learning, and online activities, this course helps you develop a well-rounded skillset that supports your future career in the decorating industry.
This course is perfect if you:
- Have a genuine interest in painting, decorating, or interior design.
- Enjoy creative, hands-on work and attention to detail.
- Want to gain the skills and knowledge needed to start an apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating.
- Are ready to learn about workplace Health & Safety and industry expectations.
What you will learn
You’ll develop the foundation skills and technical understanding needed for success in the painting and decorating trade.
Key Learning Areas
- Preparation and Painting Techniques – cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting surfaces.
- Decorative Finishing – applying specialist paint effects and finishes.
- Colour Mixing and Design Principles – understanding colour theory and its practical applications.
- Health & Safety in Construction – learning safe working practices and procedures.
- Access Platforms and Equipment – safe use of ladders and platforms for height work.
- Construction Drawing and Numeracy – reading drawings and measuring accurately.
- ICT and Employability Skills – digital literacy and preparing for job applications.
- CSCS Preparation – gaining the knowledge required for Construction Skills Certification (testing not included).
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however applicants should have:
✅ A genuine interest in the painting and decorating trade.
✅ A positive attitude and motivation to gain an apprenticeship.
✅ A willingness to take part in both classroom and practical workshop sessions.
ℹ️ All applicants must be 16 years or over by 30 September of the course year.
ℹ️ If you have already completed an NQ Construction Pre-Apprenticeship course, you are not eligible to apply.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course can go on to entry-level roles or apprenticeships in the painting and decorating and wider construction industries, such as:
🎨 Painter and Decorator Apprentice
🖌 Interior or Commercial Painter
🧰 Maintenance and Refurbishment Assistant
🏗 Construction Site Operative
🧾 Trade Counter or Materials Assistant
With further training and experience, you could progress to roles such as Senior Decorator, Site Supervisor, or even run your own decorating business.
Future prospects
After successfully completing this course, you can progress to:
- A Craft Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating.
- Higher-level construction training at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Employment in residential, commercial, or heritage restoration work.
You’ll finish with a strong portfolio of practical experience and the professional skills needed to succeed in the modern decorating industry.
