HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Image courtesy HMG Paints

Apprenticeships play a crucial role in the long-term development strategy of the HMG, with the development of technical expertise and industry knowledge through on-the-job learning being fully supported by leaders within the business, many of whom started their HMG careers as apprentices. 

Apprenticeships have played a key role for all employees looking to further their education and have proved to be great for those who want to advance in their career within HMG, with apprenticeship pathways supporting both early-career development and long-term advancement into more senior and specialist roles across the business. 

HMG has a long history of developing its own staff and offers a range of career development opportunities which are taken up by employees, around 40% of employees have taken part in external training courses during their time at HMG.

In recent years, participation in apprenticeship and T-Level programmes has continued to grow, with a significant number of employees participating in structured learning pathways since 2023. These programmes span a wide range of pathways across the business, in both technical and non-technical roles.

A member of staff who took a non-technical apprentice route was Head of People and Culture Melissa Strowbridge who undertook a Degree Level Apprenticeship in Business Management. Speaking on her time as an apprentice, completing her Melissa said: “My apprenticeship served me with an excellent launchpad for my career. It was more than just a qualification and equipped me with skills both inside and outside the classroom, which laid the foundations for growth. HMG have always been committed to supporting both me and my learning, allowing me to progress in my career, showing that HMG are a company that truly invests in its people.”

Continuing with the theme of degree apprenticeships, another example can be seen through HMG’s Product Manager Shannon Williams, who has progressed into her role following the completion of a Degree Apprenticeship. She said: "The Degree Apprenticeship helped to develop my skills and knowledge of business through a wide range of subjects and management processes. These skills have helped with my new role as Product Manager and HMG provided me with the support and time needed throughout to enable me to complete the degree.

“The apprenticeship helped me gain a range of new skills have made a tangible impact on the business. My career journey from Print Room Assistant to Product Manager is a story of success enabled by apprenticeships. It is a demonstration on how the programme has allowed me to step into a leadership role with the exact expertise our team needed to grow."

The business also continues to support many of their current apprentices that work across multiple departments within the business.

One such example is HMG’s Marketing Executive Apprentice Joshua Hibbert, who is currently gaining hands-on-experience across a wide range of marketing activities at HMG through his apprenticeship programme.

“The chance to gain experience through a marketing-focused apprenticeship at HMG has been great. This role has helped to provide me with valuable insight into both the technical and creative sides of marketing in the manufacturing sector” said Josh, speaking on his apprenticeship.

“The guidance I have received from the team at HMG has also played a key role in my development, giving me the confidence to take on new challenges within my field and continue to grow in a fast-paced, manufacturing-led environment.”

HMG Paints has also seen a number of employees recently complete their apprenticeship programmes and progress into more advanced roles. One example of this is Lewis Whalen, who has completed his CIMA Level 7 Professional Accounting Technician qualification. He said: "My apprenticeship has played a key role in developing me as an accountant by allowing me to combine practical, hands-on experience with structured learning” said Lewis “My understanding of accounting principles has helped me advance in my career, creating new opportunities and greater responsibilities. “

In addition to apprenticeships, HMG has also continued to invest into T-Level programmes, recognising the importance in developing early technical capability and supporting progression into specialist roles within the business. 

One such instance is Luis Beaumont, who completed a Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship and was recently nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 British Coating Federation Awards.

Speaking on his T-Level Apprenticeship, Luis commented: “My laboratory technician apprenticeship laid the foundation for my problem-solving skills and significantly boosted my confidence in working accurately and efficiently. It taught me discipline and a strong respect for quality standards, making the transition into a quality analyst role a natural progression.”

This National Apprenticeship week, HMG is celebrating the various apprentices from across the business and highlighting the long-term value that is created through apprenticeship and training programmes. From production and technical roles to office-based roles, apprentices and trainees continue to play a key role into the ongoing success of HMG Paints.