Apprentice mentor wins national award

Mentor Mike Poole from Northants, who works with The Bedford College Group, has been announced winner of the ‘Apprentice Mentor’ category at the national Dulux Select Decorators Awards. 

A member of the Northampton Construction Training Group, Mike was crowned category winner in recognition of his commitment to the development of young people in Northamptonshire and securing the future of the industry. He currently has an apprentice from Tresham College working with him. 

The judges were particularly impressed with Mike’s commitment to building his apprentices’ confidence and self-esteem, while encouraging them to engage in conversation with clients, which older customers particularly enjoy. 

The Dulux Select Decorators scheme enrols professional decorators who undergo rigorous assessments to become members – they must have at least three years’ experience in the trade and have run their own business for a minimum of 12 months 

Mike said: “I am very proud to have won in the Apprentice Mentor category at the Dulux Select Decorator Awards.   

“The category is particularly important to me as helping others develop their skills in the industry is a very rewarding part of my job. 

“I’m really passionate about my work as a painter and decorator, so passing on the essential skills of the trade and working with such enthusiastic and eager apprentices has been a real joy.” 

Vickie Mather, Dulux Select Decorators Lead, said: “It was fantastic to recognise Mike for his commitment to developing young professionals and helping safeguard the future of the industry. His passion for painting and decorating is clearly evident and this enthusiasm has proved to be infectious.    

“Mike embodies why being a Dulux Select Decorator has such benefits – bringing those in the trade together so they can learn from one another, while supporting a new generation of painters and decorators. 

www.mikepoole-decorators.uk