Early retirement and evening classes kick start Jonathan’s new career

Having spent 36 years working as a Dental Technician, early retirement provided the opportunity for Jonathan to consider what he enjoyed and what he may wish to pursue on a part-time basis.

With a natural enjoyment for DIY, in particular decorating, Jonathan began researching entry level courses at local colleges and discovered the Level 1 Painting and Decorating at Preston’s College, a course available on an evening basis.

Joining the six month course in September 2019, Jonathan has studied a range of units, including perfecting his skills in preparing a room, wallpapering, undercoating and glossing, wallpapering around windows, line work, splicing papers and essential health and safety, including COSH.

In a mixed group of learners, with people coming from a variety of backgrounds, Jonathan said:

“I have loved the course. I have been lucky to work with a fantastic group of people and have found the regular tutor practical demonstrations invaluable, as it’s a great way to learn a practical skill. Tutors regularly carry out walk arounds, helping to perfect technique, offering advice on rectifying errors and allowing us to ensure we are carrying out tasks correctly from the outset.”

Now at the end of his course, Jonathan has begun to consider his next steps, with his sights set on both the Level 2 Painting and Decorating course here at Preston’s College and bigger ambitions to set up his own business, allowing him to work three days a week whilst continuing to enjoy retirement time.

Speaking about his time on the course, Jonathan concluded:

“I am so glad I undertook the course. It has taken me from an amateur who likes to have a go at DIY, to someone with a real skill, in a trade I am passionate about. It has allowed me to already begin working on painting and decorating jobs for family and friends and as I learn more and develop additional skills, I hope to expand this, allowing me to become a self-employed painter and decorator.”

If you are interested in following in Jonathan’s footsteps, find out more about the wide range of adult construction courses available at Preston’s College, starting in September 2020 here. To apply, click here.