Continuing its support for the next generation of painters and decorators, Dulux Academy trained an impressive 299 apprentices across this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024).
Four, free, bespoke online workshops were designed to specifically align with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme ‘Skills For Life’, to provide apprentices with valuable skills and knowledge to further their careers and help futureproof the industry. The online sessions delivered expertise on skills that every painter and decorator needs, giving apprentices well-rounded training to complement their formal qualification and on-the-job learning. The workshops covered the following topics:
• Being confident with colour – This workshop introduced apprentices to colour theory, psychology and science to help them gain confidence in making colour selections – as this is often an area new professionals are reluctant to do. It covered tools such as the colour wheel and schemes to create cohesive palettes, and how factors such as light, texture and placement impact colour relationships.
• Professionalising your social media – This workshop provided best practice tips for elevating a personal brand and establishing a professional online presence. While Gen Z is already tech savvy, the Dulux Academy was on hand to help the apprentices reach their full potential. The workshop looked at strategies for engaging social content, tips for showcasing work, using analytics to refine online strategy, and proper etiquette and ethics in the online environment.
• Selecting the right paint – This session helped apprentices to build their knowledge on an array of paints, their specific properties and suitable applications. Key considerations like sheen, durability and coverage were explained in relation to recommending the right paints to meet client needs and expectations.
• Planning your painting and decorating career – This workshop enabled apprentices to chart career paths in the decorating industry. It covered researching roles and advancement opportunities, setting goals, expanding professional networks and identifying gaps for continued skill development.
Vickie Mather, Dulux Academy Lead at AkzoNobel, commented: “We are proud to have hosted free online workshops for apprentices to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and inspire participants to pursue their career goals. Apprentices are vital to the future of the painting and decorating profession and we are passionate about empowering and nurturing the next generation of talented appliers.
“By supporting those new to the industry, not only with activity across National Apprenticeship Week but all year round, we want to help build skills, close opportunity gaps and elevate professional standards across the board.”
The opportunity to enrol in the free online workshop was advertised through the Association of Painting and Craft Teachers (APCT), of which Dulux Academy is a corporate sponsor. In addition to the online workshops, all apprentices that took part received a personal login to Dulux Academy’s online learning platform, The HUB. This provides access to a range of insightful resources, including training videos, e-learning materials and podcast episodes, giving them the continued support of Dulux Academy throughout their training and beyond.
For more information on Dulux Academy’s programmes and resources for professional painters and decorators, visit: www.duluxacademy.co.uk
Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week