In Mike's words
“Working with young people gives me purpose and it’s really satisfying to see them learn and grow - and it helps keep me young too.”
Experience
Since 2005Working with apprentices while studying at Tresham College in Corby.
Recognition
Apprentice Mentor of the YearDulux Select Decorators Awards, 2021.
A pathway into the trade
From first experience to confident decorator.
Mike is known as an Ambassador of Apprentices in the local community and is passionate about honing the painting and decorating skills of young people and newcomers to the industry.
Mike previously shared his expertise and continuously engaged with local young people. His experience includes helping young people consider a career in painting and decorating and advising them on routes into the industry.
How Mike supports apprentices
Welcome
Mike previously welcomed everyone who’s looking to gain work experience, including a mix of students: male, female, young, mature and those with additional needs.
Learn
Mike previously supported Max and Oscar as they completed their college courses, helping them to learn practical skills such as: surface preparation, application of different paints and wallpapering and more recently, how to run your own business.
Develop
Mike previously contributed to Training Programmes and College learning groups in Northampton and Bedford. This work included collaborating with local teachers and business owners to provide work experience placements for people aspiring to a career in painting and decorating.
Move forward
After apprentices completed their courses, Mike helped them find places with other decorators in town, supporting their move into work and making room for another apprentice.
In Mike’s words
What mentoring means to me.
Mike has helped 16 young people begin their careers in the decorating trade. Since 2005, while studying at Tresham College in Corby, he has worked with apprentices and shared his knowledge with the next generation.
His experience as a Dulux Select Decorator and ambassador for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has helped him support newcomers of all ages, providing a safe space to learn practical skills and find their feet in the industry.
His commitment was recognised with the national Apprentice Mentor of the Year award at the Dulux Select Decorators Awards 2021 in Coventry.
“The Apprentices learn from me and, in turn, I’m learning from them about the new techniques they’ve studied at college or getting a different perspective on life and work. That helps to build my confidence and self-esteem, and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”
01 · Practical
Mike previously supported Max and Oscar as they completed their college courses, helping them to learn practical skills such as: surface preparation, application of different paints and wallpapering and more recently, how to run your own business.
02 · Safe space
Mike has been one of the leading names in helping people find their way into the decorating industry, by creating a safe space for people of all ages to hone their skills and learn the trade inside out, Mike Poole Decorators previously helped newcomers find their feet in the Painting and Decorating world.
03 · Inclusive
“We have helped train a mix of students: male, female, young, mature and those with additional needs.”
Mike previously welcomed everyone who’s looking to gain work experience.
04 · Next step
“Once one of our Apprentices has completed their course, we help to find them a place with another decorator in town. It helps get them into work quickly and frees up a space for us to help another Apprentice.”
Celebrating together.
Mike and his apprentices at the Dulux awards.
European Enterprise Awards
Residential Decorating Company of the Year.
In 2023, Mike was announced as the winner of ‘The Residential Decorating Company Of The Year For Northamptonshire’ in the European Enterprise Awards. This award helps to shed light on the positive impact Mike Poole Decorators has on the local community of Northampton.
‘The European Enterprise Awards 2023’, hosted by EU Business News, provides a spotlight for many business sectors, focusing on industries that are spear-heading the European business industry today. The awards are not determined by the company's size or popularity, making it a level playing field for all.
Recognised in Northamptonshire
Awarded for residential decorating work in the local area.
A level playing field
Judged without company size or popularity determining the result.
A growing record of trusted decorating work.
Independent recognition for our decorating standards, customer care and contribution to the local trade.
Interior decorating.
Careful preparation and a considered finish for homes and commercial spaces.
View interior services
Exterior decorating.
Preparation, protection and professional finishes for the outside of your property.
View exterior services