Programme overview
This pre-trade certificate gives you the foundation skills to start work in painting and decorating.
You’ll learn how the job works, how to stay safe on site, and how to use the tools and materials of the trade. Most of your learning happens through practical project work.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to work as a labourer or step into a Level 4 apprenticeship.
You’ll learn how to:
- Prepare surfaces for painting and decorating
- Apply interior plastering finishes
- Use brushes, rollers and spray equipment correctly
- Select the right products and materials for different jobs
- Read plans and job specifications
- Measure areas and calculate materials needed
- Use and maintain trade tools and equipment
- Estimate basic job costs and understand GST
- Communicate professionally with customers, supervisors and team members
- Complete work to industry quality standards
Highlights
Professional painter and decorators prepare surfaces, create high-quality finishes, apply specialist coatings, and help deliver the final appearance of residential and commercial projects.
- Complete your training in just 16 weeks full-time
- Learn by doing hands-on project work from day one
- Train in Unitec’s purpose-built trades workshops
- Learn introduction to painting, decorating, interior plastering and spray application skills
- Gain industry related health and safety knowledge
- Work alongside students from other trade programmes
- Be supported by experienced, trade-qualified tutors
- Develop practical skills that employers are looking for
Admission requirements
Domestic students
Academic requirements
Open entry, if Unitec is confident that you can meet the programme’s requirements.
You must be 16 years or over at the start of the course.
Other options
If you don’t meet these requirements, you could apply for special or discretionary admission.
For more information on this programme, please visit unitec.ac.nz
International students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international
Not sure yet? Talk to us about whether painting and decorating is the right fit.
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2027; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Oranga - Everyday Living(BPED1101) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces students to effective skills in managing everyday situations, including establishing good routines and time management using aids such as digital devices. |
| Mahere Puukenga - Planning and Literacies(BPED1102) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces students to effective functional literacy and numeracy skills in everyday situations and for planning a future pathway to achieve personal goals. |
| Hauora - Health and Wellbeing(BPED1103) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course introduces students to the concept of personal safety, Hauora and problem-solving techniques in everyday living or community environments. |
| Rangatiratanga - Community Participation(BPED1104) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course supports students in developing social skills and engaging in positive interactions in the community or in everyday situations. |
