Course Overview:

Do you love taking boring, run-down rooms and transforming them into exciting, fresh spaces? Then maybe our course in painting and decorating is for you.

You’ll study applying paint, timber finishes, decorative finishes and wallpaper. You’ll also learn about the safety and business dimensions of working in this exciting industry.

Course Description:

The basic courses are delivered over 64 study weeks (Up to 94 weeks including holidays).

Students must log a minimum of 400 supervised, ‘paid’ or ‘unpaid’, work experience hours. The student is responsible for collecting evidence proving the supervised ‘paid’ work experience hours. Supervised ‘unpaid’ work experience placements must be approved by the General Manager before starting the work experience hours. In addition, the college will provide a logbook to record the work experience hours which we will check on completion.

Students study between 3 to 7 units across an eight-study week term then have a 2 week “Research Break”. Students are required to participate in the training as a condition of their visa.

We offer intakes every week except holiday and Research Break weeks. The courses are assessed through Assignments/ Workbooks, Case Studies, Written Tests and Observation Checklists. Academique supports recognition of prior learning. Students who have substantial painting and decorating experience will be allowed to apply for a ‘Fast Track’ option. (If on a student visa early completion must be reported via PRISMS.)

Take out    

Each cohort has a different Key Day and there’s an optional tutorial day available. Please contact the school (same for painting & plastering)

Intake Dates 2023

Start Date     –    End Date

  • 10th July 2023- 25th April 2025

  • 21st August 2023- 6th June 2025

  • 18th September 2023- 4th July 2025

  • 30th October 2023- 15th August 2025

  • 22nd January 2024 – 7th November 2025

  • 19th February 2024 – 5th December 2025

  • 1st April 2024 – 16th January 2026

  • 29th April 2024 – 13th February 2026

  • 10th June 2024 – 27th March 2026

  • 8th July 2024 – 24th April 2026

  • 19th August 2024 – 5th June 2026

  • 16th September 2024 – 3rd July 2026

  • 28th October 2024 – 14th August 2026

Materials and tools are provided at the college in all courses.

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International student entry requirements for this course:

It’s a requirement for enrolment and for the grant of a student visa that students establish their English language proficiency. How you can do this depends on your passport and Education Sector, which determine your Assessment Level. Some levels can use the Academique test (80% or above, only available at Academique) to establish their competence. Other levels need IELTS 5.5 or equal (or higher) or certified proof of successful Foundation, Certificate IV or higher studies. For details, please contact the college or see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

Documentation produced for evidence of satisfactory English must be a recognised course or assessment. International students must be 18 years of age and over.

  • CPCCOM1012 Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
  • CPCCOM1013 Plan and organise work
  • CPCCOM1014 Conduct workplace communication
  • CPCCOM1015 Carry out measurements and calculations
  • CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
  • CPCCCM3005 Calculate costs of construction work
  • CPCCOM2001 Read and interpret plans and specifications
  • CPCCPD2011 Handle and store painting and decorating materials
  • CPCCPD2012 Use painting and decorating tools and equipment
  • CPCCCM2012 Work safely at heights
  • CPCCPB3026 Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems
  • CPCCCM2008 Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
  • CPCCCM3001 Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
  • CPCCSP3003 Apply trowelled texture coat finishes
  • BSBESB301 Investigate micro business opportunities
  • CPCCPD2013 Remove and replace doors and door and window components
  • CPCCPD3035 Prepare uncoated surfaces for painting
  • CPCCPD3021 Prepare existing coated surface for painting
  • CPCCPD3022 Apply paint by brush and roller
  • CPCCPD3023 Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray
  • CPCCPD3024 Apply paint by spray
  • CPCCPD3025 Match specific paint colours
  • CPCCPD3026 Apply stains and clear timber finishes
  • CPCCPD3027 Remove and apply wallpaper
  • CPCCPD3028 Apply decorative paint finishes
  • CPCCPD3031 Work safely with lead-painted surfaces in the painting industry
  • CPCCPD3036 Work safely to encapsulate non-friable asbestos in the painting industry
  • CPCCPD3030 Apply protective paint coating systems
  • BSBPMG430 Undertake project work

CPCCOM1012 – Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCOM1013 – Plan and organise work
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to plan and organise basic work tasks on a construction site.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001

Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCOM1014 – Conduct workplace communication
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with other workers in a construction workplace environment.

The unit includes gathering, conveying and receiving information through verbal and written forms of communication.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCOM1015 – Carry out measurements and calculations
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to undertake basic measurements and calculations to determine task and material requirements in a construction work environment.

A person working at this level would be expected to complete tasks assigned to them, under supervision.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCWHS2001 – Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry
This unit specifies the outcomes required to carry out work health and safety (WHS) requirements through safe work practices in all on- or off-site construction workplaces.

It requires the performance of work in a safe manner through awareness of risks and work requirements, and the planning and performance of safe work practices with concern for personal safety and the safety of others.

The unit covers fundamental WHS requirements necessary to undertake work tasks within any sector in the construction industry. It includes the identification of hazardous materials, including asbestos, and compliance with legislated work safety practices. It does not cover removal of asbestos, which is a licensed activity.

It applies to workers in the construction industry.

This unit also relates directly to the general construction induction training requirements of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and relevant occupational health and safety regulations for Victoria and for Western Australia. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry covers these induction training requirements.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCCM3005 – Calculate costs of construction work
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to estimate materials, overheads, labour and time requirements and establish costs for the provision of products and services for construction work.

The unit supports tradespersons and those in independent construction job roles to cost a construction project or part of a construction project. It applies to construction work on residential and commercial sites.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.

CPCCOM2001 – Read and interpret plans and specifications
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to read and interpret plans and specifications relevant to construction operations at a basic level.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD2011 – Handle and store painting and decorating materials
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to handle, sort and store painting and decorating materials.

The unit includes handling, sorting, storing, protecting and distributing materials and cleaning-up.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction industry training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD2012 – Use painting and decorating tools and equipment
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to select, use, store and maintain a range of commonly used painting and decorating tools and equipment.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction industry training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCCM2012 – Work safely at heights
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to work safely on construction sites where the worker has the potential to fall from one level to another.

This unit of competency does not cover the erection of scaffold or work platforms, but it does include identifying and reporting common faults with scaffold or work platform systems.

Work at heights is undertaken in a range of construction work, including new construction, renovation, refurbishment and maintenance.

This unit also applies to workers in other industries who need to control the two separate risks associated with people and objects falling from heights.

Completion of the general construction induction training program, specified in the Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, is required by anyone carrying out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency in some states and territories. For further information, check with the relevant regulatory authority.

CPCCPB3026 – Erect and maintain trestle and plank systems
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to erect and monitor trestle and plank work platforms.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.
Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCCM2008 – Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding to provide work platforms for various occupational applications.

This unit is restricted to modular scaffolding to a height of 4 metres and includes:

  • placement of safety barriers
  • the application of knowledge to handle, erect and dismantle a range of restricted height scaffolding systems.

It applies to workers who work in a range of industries. It involves working in a team environment.

No licensing, legislative, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCCM3001 – Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to operate specific types of elevated work platforms (EWPs) safely and effectively in different locations, including on uneven terrain. The unit includes locating, setting up, operating and shutting down scissor lifts and self-propelled boom lifts with a boom length under 11 metres.

The unit supports construction workers in the safe and effective operation of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical EWPs.

The unit does not cover truck-mounted EWPs, powered telescoping devices, hinged devices or articulated devices, or any combination of these used to support a platform on which personnel, equipment and materials may be elevated to perform work and which has a boom length of 11 metres or more.

It applies to construction work on residential and commercial work sites in new construction, renovation or refurbishment, and maintenance projects.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit in some States. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

CPCCSP3003 – Apply trowelled texture coat finishes
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to mix and apply trowelled texture coat finishes.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them, without close supervision.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

BSBESB301 – Investigate business opportunities
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify a business opportunity and its key components. This requires undertaking research to determine the viability of the opportunity, with reference to the legislative frameworks affecting the business.

The unit applies to those establishing or operating a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation. The business opportunities may relate to products and/or services offered by the business.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD2013 – Remove and replace doors and door and window components
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to remove and replace doors and door and window furniture for the purpose of painting.

The unit includes planning and preparation for the work, removal and replacement of doors and door and window furniture, and completion of clean-up activities.

The unit is suitable for those with basic skills and knowledge undertaking routine work tasks under the direction of more experienced workers.

Completion of the general construction industry training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3035 – Prepare uncoated surfaces for painting
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to prepare uncoated surfaces for the application of paint.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3021 – Prepare existing coated surface for painting
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to restore, repair and prepare different material surfaces for the application of paint.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3022 – Apply paint by brush and roller
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply brushed or rolled paint coatings to different materials to form a protective and decorative painted finish.

The unit includes preparation of the work area, mixing of materials, application of paint, finishing of the surface and completion of clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3023 – Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply texture coat paint finishes to different surfaces using brush, roller and spray.

The unit includes preparation of the work area and materials, application of the texture coat paint and completion of clean-up activities.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.
Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3024 – Apply paint by spray
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply paint by spray onto different surfaces to form a protective paint finish.

The unit includes preparation of materials and application area, setting up and testing of the spray equipment, application of paint and completion of clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3025 – Match specific paint colours
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to colour-match new and existing painting finishes.

The unit includes matching of paint colour to a specified sample.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3026 – Apply stains and clear timber finishes
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply stains and clear timber finishes to different material surfaces, including previously stained or finished timber, to form a protective and decorative finish.

The unit includes preparation of the work area and materials, staining of bare timber, application of clear finishes and completion of clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3027 – Remove and apply wallpaper
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply wallpaper to walls of different materials to form a protective and decorative finish.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3028 – Apply decorative paint finishes
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply decorative paint finishes to a range of different material surfaces.

The unit includes:

  • preparation of the application area
  • application of:
    • mirror paint finishes
    • broken colour effects
    • modern acrylic finishes
    • lining by brush
    • basic stencilling
    • basic special effects
    • completion of clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3031 – Work safely with lead-painted surfaces in the painting industry
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to safely treat lead paint hazards.

The unit includes hazard identification, preparation of the work area, removal of contaminated material, encapsulation of contaminated material and completion of clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

CPCCPD3036 – Work safely to encapsulate non-friable asbestos in the painting industry
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to safely encapsulate non-friable asbestos hazards.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm requirements to encapsulate non-friable asbestos.

PCCPD3030 – Apply protective paint coating systems
This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to apply specialised paint coating systems as a protective measure against atmospheric conditions, sanitation and hygiene risks and the impacts of high traffic areas.

The unit includes preparation of the work area and materials, application of the coating system and clean-up activities.

A person who has achieved this unit of competency would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing these tasks with a high degree of self-direction.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required for any person who is to carry out construction work. Achievement of CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

BSBPMG430 – Undertake project work
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a minor project or a section of a larger project. It covers developing a project plan, administering and monitoring the project, finalising the project and reviewing the project to identify lessons learned for application to future projects.

The unit applies to individuals who play a significant role in ensuring a project meets timelines, quality standards, budgetary limits and other requirements set for the project.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

The qualification requires evidenced knowledge and skills in a wide variety of locations using a broad range of equipment on diverse materials assessed on multiple occasions. As a consequence, students will be required to complete numerous assessment tasks at our Southport campuses in specially created simulated environments on specified days.

Some assessment tasks require the use of very expensive hire equipment. In the event that a student does not attend a scheduled assessment task (as advised by email to their registered address) the student might have to pay to arrange a private assessment opportunity. (The fee is based on the actual cost of the assessor and equipment: up to $1,500.00. Evidenced compelling and compassionate circumstances might create exemptions).

Materials and tools are provided at the college in all courses.

If students successfully complete all units of their course more than two calendar weeks prior to their course completion date (as per Confirmation of Enrolment) we are legally required to report the cessation of their enrolment to the respective government authorities, including Immigration.