As National Apprenticeship Week marks its 19th year, HMG Paints is showcasing its commitment to workforce development through a range of apprenticeship and T‑Level pathways. About 40 % of staff have taken external training, and since 2023 a growing number of employees have entered structured learning across technical and non‑technical roles, supporting both early‑career entry and progression to senior, specialist positions.
Head of People and Culture Melissa Strowbridge completed a Degree‑Level Apprenticeship in Business Management, calling it “an excellent launchpad for my career… more than just a qualification, it equipped me with skills inside and outside the classroom, laying the foundations for growth.” Product Manager Shannon Williams, who also finished a Degree Apprenticeship, said the program “helped develop my skills and knowledge of business through a wide range of subjects and management processes, enabling me to step into a leadership role with the exact expertise our team needed to grow.”
Marketing Executive Apprentice Joshua Hibbert noted, “The chance to gain experience through a marketing‑focused apprenticeship at HMG has been great, providing valuable insight into both the technical and creative sides of marketing in the manufacturing sector.” Lewis Whalen, who completed the CIMA Level 7 Professional Accounting Technician qualification, added, “My apprenticeship combined practical, hands‑on experience with structured learning, helping me advance in my career and take on greater responsibilities.”
Luis Beaumont, a Laboratory Technician Apprentice recently nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 British Coating Federation Awards, said, “My apprenticeship laid the foundation for problem‑solving skills and boosted my confidence in working accurately and efficiently, making the transition into a quality analyst role a natural progression.”
HMG Paints continues to invest in apprenticeships and T‑Level programmes, recognising their long‑term value across production, technical and office‑based functions. More stories will be shared on the company’s LinkedIn and Instagram channels throughout National Apprenticeship Week.
