Improvements to facilities at Bury College will enable our Painting and Decorating students to be better prepared for employment in the booming construction industry. 

The new workshop mirrors a working environment where learners are expected to conduct themselves as if they were on-site. The new bespoke facilities include windows, ceilings, and skirtings in addition to light switches and sockets to paint and wallpaper around. Students will also use the same tools and equipment as those that are used in the industry.

The range of modules studied on Painting and Decorating Level 1 include: 

  • How to prepare surfaces for painting and wallpapering
  • Using access equipment safely
  • Applying coatings to walls, ceilings, windows and doors
  • Applying wall and ceiling papers
  • Specialist finishes
  • Health and safety
  • Building principles

Finlay Kirwin loves the new facilities and will progress to the Level 2 Painting and Decorating course in September. The former Bury Church of England pupil said: “I now have a much greater understanding of how to be successful in the industry.”

Layton Barker has also really enjoyed his time at Bury College, and like Finlay, he has taken advantage of the new bespoke facilities. The former Bolton St Catherine’s Academy pupil added: “I have developed lots of skills that will help me when I start working in the industry.”

Perry Cuppello, Assistant Director for Construction at Bury College, added: “This academic year we have run Painting and Decorating Level 1 for the first time. I am pleased to say that this has been a huge success, and some learners on this year’s course will progress to Level 2. Students this year have also started to benefit from the new bespoke facilities and many opportunities for work experience with our own Estates team helping to make them more employable.”

The new facilities were funded by Department for Education and supported by the Greater Manchester Colleges as part of the Strategic Development Fund for Construction. This fund aimed to create a new suite of courses that were relevant to the needs of the industry. Bury College also worked in partnership with local employers to develop the courses. 

The funding has also allowed for the refurbishment of existing facilities to ensure the new courses were supported by industry-standard learning environments and equipment.

Our Painting and Decorating course can lead to a variety of job opportunities and provide you with a successful career in the booming construction industry. If you’re interested in starting your journey, click here for more information: https://burycollege.ac.uk/courses/vocational/painting-and-decorating-level-1