As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, one company is celebrating outstanding success among its apprentices. Bagnalls, a national painting and decorating company, has seen significant achievements from its apprentices, with several winning prestigious awards across the UK. This success highlights the growing role of apprenticeships in various industries, especially in sectors like construction and trades.
National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 10th–14th February, provides an opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships and the important contributions they make to businesses across the UK. While apprenticeship numbers have been on the rise, particularly for higher and advanced apprenticeships, the number of Level 2 apprenticeships has seen a decrease in funding. However, Bagnalls stands out by taking on more than 70 new Level 2 apprentices over the last two years, providing sustainable career paths in the painting and decorating sector.
The company’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the recognition of its apprentices’ achievements. Bagnalls has been nominated for three awards at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards. Group Marketing Director Joanne Gualda, HR Director Ellie Jobes, and Group Academy Tutor Joel Mortlock will be attending the awards event at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, in recognition of Bagnalls’ contribution to apprenticeships.
Among the standout apprentices is Matthew Clayton, who has received multiple accolades. Clayton was recently named Apprentice Painting and Decorating Student of the Year at the York College Construction Awards and Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 REACH Awards. He also won the York Guild of Building’s Bronze Award. His achievements were praised by Bagnalls’ Contracts Manager, Andy Holt, who highlighted his hard work and dedication.
Max Rollinson, another Bagnalls apprentice, was awarded a regional Rising Star accolade at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. Rollinson is currently completing a Management Trainee apprenticeship, where he is gaining valuable skills in managing clients and contracts. HR Director Ellie Jobes expressed pride in Rollinson’s success, noting the dedication he’s shown during his apprenticeship.
Bagnalls also shone at the Leeds College of Building BIG Awards, where four apprentices were honoured. Katie Sanders received the title of Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year, and Khiara Anderson won the Principal’s Award. Faith Loynes was recognised with the Multi-Skills Student of the Year Award, and Owen Sheldon was named Apprentice of the Year across all disciplines.
Bagnalls apprentices also excelled at the Painting and Decorating Association’s Junior Apprentice competition, with Willow Patey winning the junior category and Owen Sheldon taking the runner-up title. Group Academy Tutor Joel Mortlock commended the apprentices for their talent and hard work, emphasising their bright futures in the industry.
This recognition reflects Bagnalls’ dedication to supporting its apprentices, providing them with both real-world experience and bespoke training through its Training Academy. The company’s apprenticeship scheme has received multiple accolades, including being named ‘Highly Commended’ at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 for the second consecutive year.
As Bagnalls celebrates its 150th year in business, Group Managing Director Stephen Bagnall praised the achievements of its apprentices, saying, “It’s fantastic to see so many of our apprentices achieve such success – a testament to their hard work and determination.”
