Two apprentices from Manchester-based HMG Paints are among 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 Ltd and sees the pair complete the apprenticeship as ‘ICATS (Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme) time-served apprentices’.

Apprenticeships and investment in staff is a key development for HMG as it builds a future for itself while playing a key role in Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy.

Mr Taylor said: “The course has been extremely useful, and I feel it has set me on a career path I never thought I could achieve. It has given me an opportunity to build a future for myself while also adding value to HMG and its customers, who we will go on to engage with and work alongside.”

Five members of HMG’s current board of directors started their careers as trainees/apprentices and see 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.

Apprenticeships also provide valuable networking opportunities with students from other companies with different experiences, working practices and value sets.

Alan Sharples, HMG Paints’ quality manager, said: “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 company-wide training and development programme, we are helping to future proof the qualities and skills required to propel the company onto its next phase of development.”

John Falder, HMG’s managing director, added: “HMG has always invested in the future of its staff and has championed apprenticeships. I’m delighted Josh and Nathan have not only completed the course but excelled in all areas.

“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.”