Bolton College's apprentices get a step on the painting and decorating career ladder

Four painting and decorating students have secured Level 2 apprenticeships at Story Decorating Group in Salford.

Bolton College's Matthew Thompson, Liam Wood, Ben Evans and Amber Glennie are based with the company.

As part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week Sharon Marriott, the College’s Director for 14-19 year olds, visited the apprentices at the companies North West headquarters.

Sharon was welcomed by Story Decorating Group’s Contracts Manager, Paul O’Donnell.

The apprentices discussed the importance of apprenticeships and how the positions have kick-started their careers.

Bolton College currently offers 43 different apprenticeship programmes across 16 industry areas and over the years, hundreds of apprentices have secured permanent employment after completing an Apprenticeship programme.

Amber Glennie, aged 17, said: "Painting and decorating is quite male-dominated so at first, starting the Apprenticeship was quite daunting.

"However, I’ve had lots of support from College and Story Decorating and the whole experience has been so positive."

Claire Story, a communications manager for Story Decorating, added: "Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our business; our apprentices tend to move on to full-time permanent positions with us, with many progressing to senior roles. We’re so impressed with Matthew, Liam, Ben and Amber and we’re sure they will enjoy great success over the coming years."

Sharon added: "I’d like to thank Story Decorating Group for giving our learners this opportunity and I look forward to watching their careers progress."