Painting & Decorating at Stephenson College: Students Share Why They Love Their Course

Stephenson College’s Painting & Decorating course is attracting students who want hands-on learning, real-world experience, and a supportive environment where they’re treated like adults. Many learners join the course after having studied Level 1 Multi‑trade or from other vocational routes, quickly discovering that Painting and Decorating is the perfect blend of creativity and practical skill-building.

We spoke to Level 1 student Willow about her time studying Painting and Decorating at Stephenson College. She described the work as ‘‘satisfying’’ and expressed an appreciation for the artistic side of the trade. Willow sees a Painting and Decorating course as an ideal route into further study, as she hopes to one day work in interior design - something she’s always been passionate about.

Willow has also enjoyed the practical opportunities that the course has provided, stating that she has “already gained on‑campus work experience when helping to renovate the Plumbing workshop bays”. She went on to say that she can “focus much more easily at college than at school because the course is very practical and hands-on” – which really suits her learning style.

We also caught up with Willow’s classmates Lily, Daniel and Finley, with Lily explaining that she switched to Painting and Decorating from Hairdressing after realising that she wanted a different kind of creative outlet for her future career. Lily “Loves that this course gives me real-world skills” and is appreciative of how the trade has taught her “patience and resilience”. 

For Daniel, Painting and Decorating was something he fell into after speaking to Willow about the course - and he has already used his new found skills at home, where he’s helped his family with tasks such as painting ceilings. His favourite part of the programme is cutting in, which he says “feels like a real accomplishment when you get it right”. Daniel continued to praise his time at college, expressing that “Maths and English are much better explained and easier to understand because of the teaching style”. Classmate Finley also commended the teaching style at college, expressing that his Painting and Decorating lecturers always provide “clear explanations and demonstrations” to help students understand the work at hand.

Across Level 1, students learn essential industry techniques including cutting in, wallpapering, sanding, filling, caulking, prep work, and even plastering - all taught through demonstrations, practice, and personalised support in the college’s workshops, which have been purpose-built to reflect a real industry environment. 

Students can then progress onto Level 2, where they expand their knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours, setting them up for a successful career in the trade.

Stephenson College continues to build a reputation for nurturing confident, skilled decorators and tradespeople who are ready for industry or further study.

If you’re interested in studying a trade-related course at Stephenson College, apply now to begin your journey.

Photo L-R: Daniel Pegg, Willow Parkes, Lily Mclean-Brown, Finley Cory, and Oliver Mellor