Painting apprentices lend a hand to humanitarian project in Slovenia

Painting and decorating apprentices from PM Training will be travelling to Slovenia to share skills and support local education as part of an international humanitarian campaign.

The campaign is organised by the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia. Now in its 21st year, it will see 55 painters and decorators from seven countries collaborating to paint an elementary school in Ormož, Slovenia.

Two PM Training painting and decorating apprentices will be showcasing their skills on the project, accompanied by tutors and assessors from the Stoke-based training provider.

John Adams, Construction Team Manager at PM Training, said: “This is the first year we’ve taken part and I can’t wait. It will be a great experience for our apprentices. It allows us to give something back and helping others has always been a passion of mine so I’m incredibly proud to be able to offer our skills and expertise”.

Apprentices Mike Ball, 22, and Jordan Naylor, 19, from Stoke-on-Trent are currently working towards their Level 2 Painting and Decorating apprenticeship with Wallace Contracts Ltd.

Mike commented: “This is an amazing opportunity. Being able to go abroad and paint a school with others in the industry is an experience too good to miss.”

Sean Wallace, Owner of Wallace Contracts Ltd, said: “We’ve been working with PM Training for over 30 years, recruiting apprentices and upskilling our staff. Opportunities like this just strengthen our partnership and allow us to showcase the great skills we have in this country with others across Europe.”

Apprentices will land at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport in Slovenia on Thursday 28th November and begin the project to paint the local school that weekend. Over three days they’ll get the opportunity to work together with other painters and decorators to paint classrooms, staircases, door frames and corridors whilst also learning about the culture of Slovenia.

Jordan Naylor said: “I’m in the second year of my apprenticeship and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve never been to Slovenia and can’t wait to meet the other painters and decorators. It’s not something you get to do every day!”

PM Training’s involvement in the humanitarian project is being funded by Realise charity as part of its pledge to boost skills and education in North Staffordshire and to support charitable causes.

Follow in the footsteps and discover how joining PM Training can help to kick start your career by booking onto our next open day.