HCT Student - 'Apprentice of the Year'
Vikki Cooper, a student from Herefordshire College of Technology, has been named the Apprentice of the Year in the South East heat of the Dulux Decorator Centres’ national competition.
Twenty year old Vikki beat off stiff competition in the regional heat, which took place at ICI/Slough Training Centre on 13th May 2009. She went up against 7 other painting and decorating apprentices and had to complete a series of practical demonstrations - wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses, and special effects within a set time.
Vikki, who is currently completing an Apprenticeship in Painting & Decorating attends college for one day a week and works for JS Seddons four days a week. She commented: “I am over the moon that I entered this competition and also won the regional heat. The competition was extremely well organised and the demonstrations really put each of us to the test. I expect the final to be just as challenging, but I am really looking forward to representing the College.”
Competing against seven other regional heat finalists, Vikki, will now take part in the national final of the Apprentice of the Year competition, which will take place at Stoke-on-Trent College on Thursday 11th June.
Vikki’s lecturer, Phil Stephens, also commented: “It is great that Vikki has got through to the final, as this is an extremely professional competition and recognises that painting and decorating apprentices need continuous support, especially in the current climate. I would urge all colleges to put forward their star apprentices next year, as it really does provide them with a platform to showcase their work and talent.”
Vikki has already won a £100 cash prize, received a certificate and a Dulux Decorator Centre’s goody bag full of useful products donated by the company’s suppliers. The final will see the eight regional heat winners competing for the coveted title Dulux Decorator Centres Apprentice of the Year which will also include winning £1,000 cash, and a variety of other prizes, plus the student’s winning college will win a series of prizes for all its painting and decorating students to use.
