Akzonobel Launches Second Uk Dulux Academy In North East

In a bid to help tackle skills shortages in the construction sector, global paint manufacturer AkzoNobel has opened its second purpose-built Dulux Academy at its new facility in Ashington.

The new customised training centre will aim to build on the success of the company’s first Dulux Academy in Slough, which trained 1,600 decorators in its first year.

Offering a wide variety of courses in disciplines such as decorating prep and basic painting and decorating through to wallpapering, woodcare and advanced painting techniques, AkzoNobel’s ambition is to train and upskill 10,000 UK decorators by 2020.

“We’re incredibly proud to have the second Dulux Academy housed in Ashington,” said Jeff Hope, head of manufacturing unit at AkzoNobel Ashington.

“With up to 12 spaces available per programme, the Academy provides a unique teaching and learning environment for those in the decorating trade. Featuring a dedicated workshop where learners can get hands-on with practical-based assignments as well as a classroom area for theoretical based learning, the Academy also has its own kitchen and dining space, meeting rooms and a breakout room, which contains all of AkzoNobel’s latest virtual reality technologies.

“The courses on offer to practiced painters and decorators, as well as those just starting out in the industry, are designed to provide attendees with all of the expertise and know-how they need for business success.”

Officially opened in September 2017, AkzoNobel Ashington is the company’s flagship UK production centre and home to the market leading paint brand, Dulux.

“It’s fitting that the company’s newest Dulux Academy has been placed in Ashington,” Jeff added.

“AkzoNobel has made a significant investment in the North East through the construction of the plant in Ashington. The opening of the new Academy is just further reinforcement of the company’s belief in the region as a great place to do business and in the talent of its people.”