Delightful And Insightful: The Dulux Academy And Me

The eight-part series, which focused on the Dulux Academy, allowed me to build close relationships with the people that make the Academy the primary painting and decorating learning provider in the UK whilst providing Dulux Trade with a double-page spread in each edition of the magazine.

Dedicated to upskilling the industry via hands-on and engaging courses in application, sustainability and business management, the Dulux Academy prides itself in supporting painting and decorating professionals at all stages of their careers. Headed up by a team of leading industry experts, the Academy courses deliver increased knowledge and understanding, enabling attendees to meet their personal and professional ambitions.

The Academy visits – a regular monthly fixture in my diary for the past eight-months – have provided invaluable insight into the painting and decorating sector, enabling me to not only build very close relationships with the client, but to get out there and meet the people to whom Dulux Trade makes a difference in their day-to-day lives.

There is a lot you can learn by keeping abreast of the latest developments in the industry via magazines and newsletters; however, nothing beats getting out there and really getting to know your audience. Taking an active role in each of the courses I attended helped me to build relationships with professionals at all levels, and learn what really makes them tick. By leveraging this insight, I have been able to pitch increasingly interesting and creative ideas to the P&D press and construct features that are both engaging and informative to professionals and journalists alike.

Alongside the attendees, I also had the pleasure to get to know many of the trainers at the Academy, both on a professional and personal level. Each ooze passion for their trade – and were always more than happy to pass on a few DIY tips to yours truly.

It has been a lovely experience working with the guys at the Academy and I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to spend time with people at the very top of their game.