Craig’s Skills Win National Acclaim

Ian Williams is one of the UK’s largest painters, a fact reflected in the number and quality of apprentices we employ. We’re always delighted when apprentices receive national recognition for their craftsmanship, especially in the prestigious PDA awards organised by the industry’s Painting and Decorating Association. This year, young Southampton decorator Craig Critchlow who works out of our Eastleigh offices, fought off competition to win through to the national final of the PDA Trainee of the Year 2009. He now joins the winners of the competition’s other heats – held at Leeds and Stoke-on-Trent – with the 2009 champion to be announced at the PDA Premier Trophy Awards Luncheon at the historic Painters’ Hall, London, on 4 June.

Paul Marsden, chief executive of the PDA, said: “This year’s Trainee of the Year competition has proved to be a great success and has attracted entrants from more companies and training centres than in previous years. The standard of craftsmanship shown at the heats was extremely high with all entrants being a credit to their employers.”

Mike Turner, development director at Ian Williams, said: “As a company we are committed to excellence in our work. Craig epitomises this attitude and we are delighted he has had the chance to show-off his talents to the world. Our congratulations go to all the finalists and our fingers are crossed for Craig in the national award.”