Katie Bright - ACA NVQ Painting & Decorating, Level 3
A
couple of years ago, I was working in construction with my dad and
uncle. It didn't last long but I knew I wanted to do something
manual. My only other option was to go back to College and learn a
trade from scratch; that's why I came to Lewisham College
I come to College one day a week and I've got a full time job
working in the industry as well. Last year I did my Level 1
and Level 2 in Painting & Decorating in one year.
I ended up winning a Student Award for Excellence - I think
because I crammed two years worth of work into one. I was
chuffed.
It used to be unheard of to get a female working in construction
or painting and decorating, but it's now not unusual to see a
female face.
The best bit of my course is the practical side, just getting
stuck in and learning new skills. The course has taught me all I
need to know to get into the Painting & Decorating
industry.
I'm also going to Germany this summer, as part of an exchange
programme the College has organised. It'll be really good
experience, I'm really looking forward to it.
I'd definitely recommend the course, if someone was interested
in doing it, I'd tell them to go for it - it's really useful, I've
learnt a lot.
Lewisham College has all the facilities you'll need to succeed
Learning Centre
A wide range of books, periodicals and audio-visual material are
available in the Learning Centre covering construction technology,
materials, mathematics, design, health and safety and
management.
Computer stations can be reserved for Internet research and
completion of coursework. A number of these have CAD (Computer
Aided Design) software installed. Photocopying facilities are on
hand for student use.
Computer Aided Design Studio
Has recently updated computers with AutoCad 2008 installed, and
A4/A3 printers/plotters.
Drawing Office
A2 drawing boards are provided for building up and practising of
manual drafting skills.
What you could do when studying Painting and Decorating
Skill Build Competition
This event takes place every year, and our best students
represent the College in the competition. A Silver Medal was won by
one of our students this year.
Prizes/Awards
A range of College Awards are presented in October to students
for high levels of progress and achievement in their studies. Our
students have also won the Apprentice Of The Year Award and the
Painters & Master Stainers Award this year.
Visits
Visits are an integral part of Painting & Decorating
courses, including the Dulux Coatings factory and spray painting
techniques training delivered by a visiting specialist from the
manufacturers works.
What can I do next?
All Painting and Decorating courses prepare students for work in
the Construction industry both as craftsmen/women and
managers/supervisors.
Progression is from Level 1 Diploma/NVQ to Level 2 and Level 3,
with increasing levels of complexity, skills and knowledge
developing through the courses.
After gaining craft skills and knowledge (usually at Level 2 or
3), students can progress onto professional courses such as the
BTEC National Certificate in Construction in order to become a
Surveyor, Site Manager or Architect.