Abalene East, a painting and decorating student from Kent, has painted her way to victory. She came first in the grand final of the 2014 DDC Apprentice of the Year competition. Most importantly, she impressing the judges with her fantastic brushwork and attention to detail.
What is the DDC Apprentice of the Year Competition?
Dulux Decorator Centre have searched the length and breadth of the UK looking for young painters and decorators who are willing to put their hard-learned skills to the test. The DDC Apprentice of the Year competition encourages talent and best practice in the industry. The competition itself entails a practical test of painting, wallpapering and some special effects. It further provides a challenging and rewarding experience for students and apprentice college learners alike.
The final saw Abalene go head to head with ten other talented painting and decorating students from all over Great Britain. All the finalists secured their places after winning the regional heat.
During the final Abalene demonstrated a wide range of skills including wallpapering, sign writing, cutting in as well special effects. Three leading industry experts and a Dulux Select Decorator had the difficult job of judging the work.
Big Wipes is a Big Prize
Abalene won her Apprentice of the Year accolade at a black tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony at the prestigious Lumley Castle. In addition, she received a £1000 cash prize and a generous selection of products and tools. To her delight, these included a big selection box of Big Wipes products!
The preservative-free formula of Big Wipes contains four powerful cleaning agents and four dermatologically tested skin conditioners. This combination makes Big Wipes tough on dirt and at the same time helping to nourish and protect the skin. For busy painters and decorators, hands are their most important tools. Therefore, cleaning them effectively while still being able to care for them is extremely important.
Comment by the Apprentice of the Year Organisers
Beverley Whitehead, Marketing Manager at Dulux Decorator Centre, said: “Once again I’d like to send my thanks to all our suppliers for supporting us. We think it was another successful, if not possibly our best yet, DDC Apprentice of the Year competition. Seven years in and I’m still astounded by the over whelming support the competition receives. Furthermore, the amount of prizes donated to each entrant and placed winners is fantastic. I know every last item is gratefully received from both the students and colleges alike.”
“Choosing a winner is always a difficult task as there was so many strong contenders. However, Abalene really stood out due to her great brushwork and eye for detail. We now wish her all the best for what we’re sure will be a very successful future ahead”, Beverley concluded.
Lecturer Phil Jubb added: “We are delighted that Abalene did so well in the competition. It’s a fantastic achievement and she should feel very proud of herself. The accolade that comes with winning such a prestigious competition provides Abalene with a great platform to kick start a successful career in the painting and decorating industry. I really would urge colleges to put forward their most talented students next year.”