Decorators are Top of the Pots !

Lincoln College and Gelder Group apprentices who are learning their trade had the chance to prove they’re top of the pots at a Painting and Decorating Challenge today (Friday).

Three teams of apprentices and employees from Gelder Group in Sturton-by-Stow and tutors at Lincoln College had to demonstrate three different painting techniques – rag rolling, shading and glossing – as well as wallpapering and splicing.

The team comprising apprentices Lee Hiatt (19) and Josh Harvey (18) and Paul Wilcockson from Lincoln College won the competition, held at the Monks Road college to mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week (7th to 11th February).

“I’m really pleased to have won and I thoroughly enjoyed the day,” said apprentice Lee Hiatt.

“Because this is only my first year I’ve learned a lot of new techniques and painting effects today from experienced professionals so it was a really good experience.”

The apprentices skills were judged by Rachel May, Employer Engagement Director, guest judge Bill Higgs, Contracts Manager at John Richards Decorators and Gelder Group Director, Dave Gladwin.

Dave Gladwin, a Director at Gelder Group, added: “I’ve been very impressed by the ability of the apprentices I’ve seen today. The standard of work has been extremely high and they’ve produced some amazing results in a really short space of time.”

The competition marked the end of a busy and successful week at Lincoln College dedicated to celebrating the benefits of apprenticeships to both the individual and employer.