MANCHESTER, UK — After decades of nurturing and developing skills with apprentices across the business HMG Paints latest cohort are making their mark. National Apprenticeship week 2019 has seen Business Apprentice Melissa Edwards win Outstanding Higher Apprentice of the Year, and Joe Williams pass his Electrical Apprenticeship with 96.3%.

As the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer, encouraging personal development has always been fundamental to HMG’s culture and growth. From BTEC’s in applied sciences to degree-level business apprenticeships, the programs pair a wide variety of roles across the business including business administration, R&D and product manufacturing, where apprentices can put their theory into practice at HMG Paints’ headquarters in Manchester, UK. “The skills I am learning at university, I am able to put into practice on a day-to-day basis at HMG and gain real first-hand experience. I was delighted and surprised to have won the Outstanding Higher Apprentice of the Year, and I am really happy that my hard work has been recognized,” said Melissa Edwards, Business Apprentice, Salford University. Edwards gained the title of Outstanding Higher Apprentice of the Year at the Salford University Apprenticeship Awards, where colleague Shannon Williams was also nominated for two awards, including Business Apprentice of the Year.

Electrical Apprentice Joe Williams completed his Level 3 NVQ Diploma in installing electrical systems and equipment after three years of hard work, backed up by the support of his colleagues and mentor at HMG, John Atkinson, Maintenance Manager, “It makes me very happy and proud to be congratulating Joe on passing his AM2 assessment and achieving the title of Electrician. From the very beginning, Joe has continuously worked hard at both his college work and on-site practical installations. Joe has successfully achieved something that will provide him with a profession for the rest of his life,” said Atkinson.

HMG Paints’ Managing Director John Falder is pleased about the ongoing success of the apprenticeship scheme, “The future of HMG is in the hands of the young staff who are currently gaining their experience from our staff members who have been here for decades. We have full faith in them and look forward to guiding them through the process with huge support from leaders in apprenticeship schemes such as Salford University, as well as Trafford College, The Skills Company and Oldham College.” said Falder.