Two apprentices from Manchester based HMG Paints are amongst the first in the country to complete the new Industrial Coating Applicator Apprenticeship. Josh Taylor and Nathan Eckersley took part in the Apprenticeship which was managed by DN Colleges Group and operated by Jack Tighe and sees the pair complete the apprenticeship as ICATS Time Served Apprentices with an extremely high level of technical and application competence. Apprenticeships and investment in staff is a key development for HMG as it builds the future for itself whilst playing a key role in Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy.

“The course has been extremely useful, and I feel it has set me on a career path I never thought I could achieve.” Stated Apprentice Josh Taylor. “It has given me an opportunity to build the future for myself whilst also adding value to HMG and its customers who we will go on to engage with and work alongside.”
As long-term apprentice advocates, 5 members of HMG’s current Board of Directors started their careers as trainees/apprentices, HMG sees apprenticeships as a targeted learning programme that delivers the training required for specific skills within the organisation in a practical as well as theoretical format. They also provide valuable networking opportunities with students from other companies with different experiences, working practices and value sets. These skills are then utilised across the business at all levels.

Alan Sharples, Quality Manager at HMG Paints added “We are always keen to grow our own talent and the scheme provided an opportunity to do this, providing a clear career path for both of our apprentices. By providing young, talented, and enthusiastic people with this opportunity as part of an overall companywide training and development programme. The scheme helps to future proof the qualities and skills required to propel the company into the future and onto its next phase of development.”

With a current shortfall in not only the ‘next generation’ of applicators coming through the industry supply chain but also current availability of trained applicators based on present demand for this key skilled role, HMG were keen to be amongst the coatings pioneers.
Nathan Eckersley has seen the apprenticeship impact his career in a number of ways. “The Industrial coatings applicator apprenticeship course was a fantastic opportunity to learn about all aspects of industrial coatings. The apprenticeship enabled me to learn, develop and improve myself throughout the 18-month course, this has helped me greatly to become an asset to HMG and improved my day to day working life. During the 18 Month apprenticeship we covered coating defects, Environmental implications from our industry, health and safety surface preparation plus much more. I would like to thank HMG for the opportunity and support they have given me throughout this journey and to Jack Tighe Ltd and North Lindsey College for producing a gateway to the industrial coatings world.”
As HMG continues to grow their involvement with various apprenticeship programmes, they will seek to develop further generations of talent, those who will learn new and innovative ways of working and that will introduce new and exciting developments to a company that seeks to move confidently into the future.

“HMG has always invested in the future of our staff and have championed apprenticeships. I’m delighted Josh and Nathan have not only completed the course but excelled in all areas” Managing Director John Falder commented. “Industrial coating applicators play a key role in protecting the nation’s infrastructures from deterioration for the benefit of existing and future generations, and we look forward to Josh and Nathan continuing their careers with HMG and becoming leaders not only within HMG but within the coatings industry.”

To see a full list of HMG Paints products and services and to find out about future apprenticeship opportunities visit www.hmgpaint.com via the website you can also find out more about the company’s history and partners.

If you require further information on the press release, please contact:
Gracienne Ikin or Stephen Dyson
HMG Paints Communications
gikin@hmgpaint.com or sdyson@hmgpaint.com
0161 205 7631

HMG Paints Ltd is a family-owned business situated in Manchester. Now the UK’s largest independent Paint Manufacturer, HMG are proud to work alongside customers to create the very best individual service and tailored solutions for them. With a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise HMG boast a portfolio including wet paint, powder coatings and aerosols, covering virtually every type of surface imaginable. This is all backed by an extensive 90 years’ experience in developing pioneering coatings for a myriad of industries including; industrial, specialist industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle, defence, aerospace, wood finish, decorative, arts & craft, marine and rail, we have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them.