National Apprenticeship Week, running from 10th–14th February, is a time to celebrate apprentices and their contribution to businesses across the UK. It’s also the perfect chance to find out more about apprenticeships – whether you’re considering doing one or you know someone who is.

Statistics published during last year’s National Apprenticeship Week revealed a growth in the number of people undertaking higher apprenticeships, with starts increasing by 6.2%. Advanced apprenticeships are also extremely popular, accounting for almost 44% of all apprenticeship starts.

With the majority of apprenticeships in recent years taken on by people aged 25 and up, it’s clear that the idea of apprenticeships only being relevant for those just leaving school is shifting to include a wider range of applicants.

However, annual spending on Level 2 apprenticeships has dropped by over £200 million in recent years. One business that is bucking the trend when it comes to these figures is national painting and decorating company Bagnalls, taking on over 70 new Level 2 entrants during the last two years. Bagnalls provides sustainable, high-quality careers for those just starting out in the world of work.

The company has also been nominated no less than three times at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards. During National Apprenticeship Week, Bagnalls’ Group Marketing Director, Joanne Gualda, will be joined by HR Director Ellie Jobes and Group Academy Tutor Joel Mortlock at the Houses of Parliament in recognition of the company’s nominations. The three Bagnalls representatives will enjoy an event hosted by Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.

It’s clear that the dedication and success levels of apprentices only continue to rise. Bagnalls has seen incredible success among their most recent intake of apprentices, with many of them winning prestigious and notable awards.

Bagnalls apprentice Matthew Clayton has won no less than three awards in recent months! He was named Apprentice Painting and Decorating Student of the Year at the York College Construction Awards and Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 REACH Awards. Matthew also took home the York Guild of Building’s Bronze Award.

Contracts Manager at Bagnalls, Andy Holt, commented: “Matty has done some fantastic work during his time with us and I’m thrilled that he’s receiving the recognition he deserves!”

Another high achiever at Bagnalls is Max Rollinson, who recently won a regional award in the Rising Star category at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. Max is in the process of completing a Management Trainee apprenticeship with Bagnalls, furnishing him with the skills to manage clients, contracts and more.

“Max has shown great dedication and determination throughout his apprenticeship with us,” Ellie Jobes says. “It’s fantastic to see that those outside of our organisation are noticing his talent as well.”

The Leeds College of Building BIG Awards celebration was another big night for Bagnalls, with four of their apprentices taking home titles. Katie Sanders was named Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year, while Khiara Anderson took home the prestigious Principal’s Award.

Faith Loynes was awarded the Multi-Skills Student of the Year Award, while Owen Sheldon was named Apprentice of the Year across all disciplines.

Kirsty Stokes, HR and Learning Development Advisor at Bagnalls attended the ceremony alongside the four winners. She said, “I’m so proud of all our apprentices! They have each achieved exceptional milestones in their young careers and I can’t wait to see their skills grow and develop."

“They should each be very proud of themselves and shout about their excellent awards from the rooftops!”

The Painting and Decorating Association’s Junior Apprentice competition was also a successful night for Bagnalls apprentices. Willow Patey was named overall winner of the junior section, with Owen Sheldon taking home the runner-up title.

Joel said, “It’s been great to see Willow and Owen’s talent in action during their apprenticeships and it’s lovely that their dedication and hard work is being rewarded. They both show exceptional promise and I’m sure they have fantastic careers ahead of them.”

This is just a small snapshot of the recent awards won by Bagnalls apprentices, showcasing the company’s reputation for attracting talented, dedicated and hard-working apprentices. Bagnalls was recently ‘Highly Commended’ regionally at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 for the second year in a row, thanks to their apprenticeship scheme.

The company also won the Best Apprenticeship in Construction award at the first-ever Apprenticeship Guide Awards last year – celebrating the excellent opportunities and support that Bagnalls provides its apprentices.

Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, said, “We strive to provide our apprentices with real-world experience, alongside bespoke training via our Training Academy. It’s fantastic to see so many of our apprentices achieve such success – a testament to their hard work and determination."

“As we enter our 150th year as a business, it’s brilliant to know that the next generation of painters and decorators are enjoying such success.”