Spotlight on Talent: Lucy Porter

Lucy Porter
Painting & Decorating Apprentice Level 3

“During my apprenticeship I really enjoyed learning the technical side of painting and decorating, and enjoyed meeting different people everyday. Studying at college was great but being able to develop my skills within the workplace as well helped me learn what the job is really like in practice.”

Lucy used the skills she gained as an apprentice to set up her own painting and decorating business which is now thriving and has customers queuing up to book her.

“After leaving school, I did A Levels and then went in to admin work, but I didn’t enjoy it. I first discovered I enjoyed painting and decorating when a family member asked me to do some decorating and I loved it. I decided from that point on I wanted to do it as a career and I’ve never looked back!

“I was a little cautious at first as painting and decorating is usually seen as a male environment, but there’s never any discrimination. I’m proud to say I’m a female painter and I get a lot of encouragement from other women. I think more girls should go in to painting and decorating; it’s good to have a trade.

“During my apprenticeship I really enjoyed learning the technical side of painting and decorating, and enjoyed meeting different people everyday. Studying at college was great but being able to develop my skills within the workplace as well helped me learn what the job is really like in practice.

“During my course, I won the regional final of the Dulux Apprentice of the Year competition and then went on to win 4th place in the national final. This was the best moment for me and I would never have achieved this if my tutor had not had faith in me and encouraged me to compete. It made me realise what I was capable, made me even more ambitious and gave me the confidence to set up my own business.

“I love my job! When I wake up, I’m excited to go to work and look forward to each project.

“I’d definitely encourage people to do an apprenticeship because you’re earning and learning at the same time. You gain a lot of respect for wanting to work and you gather hands on experience of the job whilst you study.”