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Minister of State for Employment, Priti Patel officiall launched the Dulux Academy in Slough last week, with is said to upskill 4,000 decorators a year.
AkzoNobel, parent company of Dulux Trade has opened the UK’s first academy for painters and decorators, which will give more than 4,000 decorators and apprentices the chance to upskill every year with new techniques and expert advice on applying paints and coverings and gaining an advanced understanding of the essential principles of colour, design and sustainability. Decorators at varying stages of their career will be equipped with skills to build, run and promote a successful company, with a variety of business and marketing courses available.
The Dulux Academy will also offer the first ever City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Colour, Design and Professional Decorating.
The Academy will work with colleges across the country to provide 350 workplace opportunities for students to inspire the next generation. Tutors will also learn about the latest products, techniques and technologies to pass on to their students.
KPMG found that the training provision in the construction sector needs to be increased by an average of 51% to meet the demand of labour.
Vickie Mather, Dulux Academy manager, AkzoNobel said: “A dedicated facility specifically for painters and decorators is what the trade has been missing and so it will be good news for professionals that the Dulux Academy not only addresses current skills gaps within the industry but will also become a life-long learning partner throughout a decorators career. The core curriculum is designed to help them effectively build their business with accredited training courses that they can also offer to their employees, ensuring they can offer the best services for customers.”
