Latest News
New College Durham was the venue for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year competition, sponsored by Dulux.
John Ringer, a student from Lincoln College, has been named the Apprentice of the Year in the North East heat of Dulux Decorator Centres’ national competition.
22 year old John beat off stiff competition in the regional heat, which took place at New College Durham on Thursday 21st May 2009. He went up against 13 other painting and decorating apprentices and had to complete a series of practical demonstrations - wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses, and special effects within a set time.
John, who attends Lincoln College full time commented: “I am over the moon that I entered this competition and also won the regional heat. The competition was extremely well organised and the demonstrations really put each of us to the test. I expect the final to be just as challenging, but I am really looking forward to representing Lincoln College.”
Competing against eight other regional heat finalists, John, will now take part in the national final of the Apprentice of the Year competition, which will take place at Stoke-on-Trent College on Thursday 11th June.
John’s lecturer, Paul Wilcockson, also commented: “It is great that John has got through to the final, as this is an extremely professional competition and recognises that painting and decorating apprentices need continuous support, especially in the current climate. I would urge all colleges to put forward their star apprentices next year, as it really does provide them with a platform to showcase their work and talent.”
John will have to complete a further set of practical demonstrations, which will test his painting and decorating ability. The final will then be followed by a presentation evening at Crewe Hall in Cheshire where the winners and runners up will be announced.
Marketing communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres, the UK’s leading painting and decorating specialist, Jo Chapman, commented: "This is the second year that this competition has taken place and once again it is proving to be a great success. The talent of the apprentices is second to none and the standard and quality of their skills just gets higher at each level of the competition."
“John did a fantastic job in the North East heat and we wish him all the best in the final.”
John has already won a £100 cash prize, received a certificate and a Dulux Decorator Centre’s goody bag full of useful products donated by the company’s suppliers. The final will see the eight regional heat winners competing for the coveted title Dulux Decorator Centres Apprentice of the Year which will also include winning £1,000 cash, and a variety of other prizes, plus the student’s winning college will win a series of prizes for all its painting and decorating students to use.