A talented apprentice from Dorset has clinched a prestigious national title for young painters and decorators.
Ben Deer was named Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year at a major industry event last week. The 22-year-old, from Bridport, beat off stiff competition from some of the best young talent in the country to land the £1,000 first prize. And the Bournemouth and Poole College student, who works in the family business JW Deer, run by dad James, says winning the contest is the perfect start to his career.
He said: “The Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition is a real showcase for the industry, so to win the title is a huge feather in my cap.
“It’s a fantastic boost to my confidence and something that will stand me in good stead throughout my career.
“My ambition is to set up my own business in Australia one day and this is a massive step in the right direction.”
The annual tournament supports training and education for the next generation of industry professionals. Ben was one of 12 apprentices who came through regional heats across the UK to take part in the final at The Skills Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham.
Competitors were challenged to plan and paint a complex rugby ball stencil design, in tribute to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, against the clock.
Ben added: “It was difficult as we had to work to very detailed skill drawings and, because that’s where most of the marks are, it had to be perfect.
“I was nervous as there was a big crowd and, though it went well, I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d won.”
Stefan Hubble, from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, won £500 for finishing runner-up with third-placed Jordan Charters, from South Lanarkshire, claiming £250.
Kevin O’Donnell, product trainer at Crown Paints and Apprentice Decorator of the Year coach, said: “This year’s final posed a true test of skills, attention to detail, time management and ability to work under pressure.
“It was a complex project which required a great deal of skill and the standard on show was unbelievable.
“But Ben’s expertise shone through in the end. He showed a tremendous amount of talent and ability and was a worthy winner.”
The Skills Show is an influential training and careers event featuring more than 50 trades-based competitions in which the ‘best of the best’ in each sector battle it out for the national title.
Debbie Orr, marketing manager for Crown Paints, said: “As a business, we do all we can to encourage talent and pride in the trade.
“We understand the importance of investing in and developing the next generation of industry professionals.
“This competition is an example of that approach as it encourages young people to strive for excellence in their craft and reach the highest professional standards.
“Every competitor in the final showed just how well they’ve mastered the skills and techniques required and illustrated that the painting and decorating industry has a very bright future.”
Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR
