How to Train and Upskill Your Workforce

Earlier this year, Dulux Decorator Centre published its State of the Nation report, which revealed that 61% of painters and decorators find it difficult to hire tradespeople with the right skills to get jobs done sufficiently. Additionally, 55% are concerned about the skills shortage within the industry.

With this in mind, employers should ensure that they are upskilling their current workforce and providing essential training for those who are new to the industry, so they have the necessary skills to complete work to the highest standards. To help, AkzoNobel provides a host of training support. Read on to learn more.

Meeting with the experts

In-person training with the well-respected professionals at the Dulux Academy can be a great source of motivation and inspiration. As well as theory-based learning, the training also gives experienced or budding painters and decorators hands-on experience in areas of the field that they feel less confident in.

The courses span all areas of the painting and decorating trade, educating attendees on the latest products that can help them to achieve excellence, from painting techniques and tools, and advice to help businesses thrive, such as business management and social media training.

The training courses can be held in five of our Dulux Decorator Centre stores across the country (as well as eight additional sites nationwide):

• Altrincham
• West Thurrock
• Scunthorpe
• Norwich
• Newport

To find out what courses are running at your nearest Dulux Academy at Dulux Decorator Centre, visit: https://academy.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/

Accessible learning for all

Sometimes it’s not always easy or convenient to visit in-person courses, and so taking part in virtual Dulux Academy sessions is a great way for tradespeople to receive industry-leading training from the comfort of their own homes.

The Dulux Academy hosts LIVE sessions on its website. The series of free online workshops led by industry experts, takes participants through a range of core decorating topics such as spray, colour scheming and colour theory, as well as more specialised topics, including designing for dementia.

The Dulux Academy Podcast also gives insights from those in the thick of the decorating industry. It covers a range of topics including the challenges currently facing the trade, advice on managing customers and discussions on mental health and adapting to change.

Online learning

Those who have already visited a Dulux Academy - or a Dulux Academy LIVE course - will have automatic access to the Dulux Academy HUB, which provides online learning content which can be accessed whenever or wherever you are. The HUB offers a variety of different learning formats, so users can upskill in ways suitable to their learning style, with new content recommended to them based on what they have engaged with before. Users have unlimited access to the reams of content available: they can listen to podcasts or watch instructional videos to help them learn, with content categorised into five groups – Skill Level, Content Type, Topic, Rated and Most Watched – so finding the resources to match their interest and knowledge gap is easy.

Learning in store

Dulux Decorator Centre has also recently introduced Dulux Academy Virtual to nine of its locations across the country, providing virtual training opportunities to customers in-store. The programme delivers pre-recorded content and access to live streamed sessions, while also giving customers the chance to try the products in-store to supplement their learning. Dulux Decorator Centre staff are always on hand to answer any questions during the range of courses available, which include Water Borne Application, Colour Theory & Scheming, Spray Tips, and much more.

 The Dulux Decorator Centres currently offering the Dulux Academy Virtual service are:

• Edinburgh
• Belfast North
• Leeds
• Derby
• Birmingham
• Peterborough
• Welwyn Garden City
• Abingdon
• Canterbury

Power of the people

The Dulux Decorator Centre State of the Nation report found that, in addition to practical skills, 62% of tradespeople believe interpersonal skills are integral to being a good painter and decorator. On top of this, 13% see the importance of manners and friendliness, while a further 12% see the value of good communication.

These figures indicate that there is much more to the painting and decorating trade than the application of paint and the tools used. It is therefore important for employers to conduct their own training and remind staff of proper etiquette when on site. This could include how to best communicate with clients to leave a good impression that lasts much longer than it takes for the paint to dry. It could also include best practices like keeping a client in the loop with regular status updates on their job, making sure work areas are as tidy as possible, and ensuring tools are packed away at the end of the workday.

To find out more about how your local Dulux Decorator Centre can help you train and upskill your workforce, visit: https://www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/dulux-academy