A painting and decorating apprentice from Rossendale has backed a call from the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) for people to consider joining the trade.
Holly Duffy, 22, shared her achievements and experiences as an apprentice to help showcase the opportunities of a career in colour during National Apprenticeship Week.
As the UK gears up to deliver new 1.5 million homes pledged by the UK government, the PDA is shining a spotlight on apprenticeship opportunities in a bid to bridge a skills gap in the sector.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said: “If the government is to deliver 1.5 million homes pledged in the current term, painters and decorators with the appropriate skillset for new build properties will be in higher demand than ever.
“Taking steps now to ensure skilled workers are available in the future is crucial.”
As the UK’s largest trade association dedicated to the sector, the PDA is actively promoting ‘Careers in Colour’ and as part of National Apprenticeship Week is showcasing the range of excellent opportunities available in the trade.
Holly, who has worked for Spain Building and Maintenance in Nelson as an apprentice painter and decorator since 2022, is also a student at Accrington and Rossendale College.
Last year, Holly won Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year and the Chief Executive’s Recognition and Achievement Award in the PDA Apprentice of the Year competition. She has also won her College’s Apprentice and Construction Apprentice of the Year awards.
Holly said: “I’d like to see more school leavers have the same opportunities that I’ve enjoyed. I can’t recommend this career highly enough. I have been able to combine my love of art and creativity with a developing profession.
“The decorating industry is crying out for more apprentices, and I’d urge anyone undecided about their future to consider it as a possible career.”
A highlight of Holly’s career so far was the PDA-sponsored international humanitarian campaign to visit Slovenia when she joined decorators from across Europe to decorate classrooms and corridors at an elementary School in Dol pri Ljubljani.
Holly added: “This was my first time abroad and built my confidence and knowledge through meeting other people in the trade from all over the world. It was very rewarding.
“I would encourage any young person who is unsure about their future to consider painting and decorating as a career and find out more about apprenticeship opportunities. I never imagined how far I’d come.”
Neil Ogilvie said: “Painting and decorating is a craft that requires an often-unrecognised level of knowledge and skill. Holly is a perfect example of a skilled apprentice reaping rewards from her passion and commitment. She has a great career ahead of her.”
Apprenticeships within the industry offer young people the chance to earn while they learn.
The PDA represents painting and decorating businesses of all types from sole traders through to large scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.
With a long-standing legacy of promoting high standards and best practice, the PDA requires its members to be insured and appropriately trained as well as committing to a Code of Conduct that includes providing quality work at a reasonable price.