Specialist Trade Courses, a multi-award winning training organisation

We deliver high-quality, intensive courses in tiling, plastering and painting and decorating which combine hands-on skills with practical business advice like how to attract customers and produce estimates. As a result, 96% of our students go on to own their own businesses or work as self-employed tradesman.

Come and spend a day at one of our training centres completely free of charge, and you’ll get a unique opportunity to look around our facilities and talk to our experienced trainers about what you can expect from our courses.

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Tiling Courses

Virtually all private and commercial properties have tiling in them somewhere, so professional tilers are always in great demand. New trends in ceramics and innovations like under-floor heating make this a fast-growing business, and as a result, STC-trained tilers are called on to work on a range of projects nationwide. Our tiling courses teach you everything you need to quickly build a successful tiling business that will give you great rewards and the lifestyle you want.

Find out more about our tiling courses

Decorating Courses

Becoming a professional painter and decorator involves a lot more than first meets the eye. That’s why our decorating courses are designed to help you with every aspect of taking on a job. We teach you about substrates, surface preparation, measuring and pricing work, applying undercoats, the properties of different types of paint and wallpaper setting out, and then we show you how to set up on your own. We even give you a marketing plan to help you successfully launch your business.

Find out more about our decorating courses

Plastering Courses

Plastering skills are required on virtually every new-build and refurbishment project undertaken, so learning this trade will mean you’re always in demand. Plastering is also a great springboard into other trades – master the basics and you’ll find other skills are faster and easier to learn. We offer plastering courses in hand and fibrous plastering for everyone from beginners to pros – and unlike other plastering courses, we also give you full business start-up training so you can start earning straight away.

Find out more about our plastering courses

NVQ's for existing traders

Are you currently working as a plasterer, decorator or tiler and would like to gain an NVQ to certify your skill? If so then STC can help! We have been awarded by the Learning and Skills Council the ability to deliver recognised NVQ's to those who deliver work to the required standard. As we are also approved by the Train to Gain scheme, we may even be able to get your NVQ funded.

Find out more about our NVQ's


Training Centre Details

Our Specialist Trade Courses are provided at training centres nationally, by our qualified instructors - contact us to find your local centre.

Free Taster Sessions

We offer a free, no-obligation taster session with a qualified instructor so you can make sure Specialist Trade Courses is right for you.
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Price Beater

We provide great value courses, starting from as little as £355! If you fail to pass any section of your Trade Course, we will train you again until you succeed.
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