Michael Chalmers, a painting and decorating apprentice from Dover, Kent, has been announced as the runner up in the Dulux Decorator Centres’ National Apprentice of the Year 2011 competition.

Michael, 21, was a hot contender for the award, competing against nine other talented painting and decorating apprentices from all over the UK, at the thrilling grand final of the competition, which took place on Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 16th June, at Bridgend College, followed by a prestigious presentation ceremony held at Celtic Manor, Newport.

The final saw the apprentices complete a practical work piece incorporating wallpapering, stencilling, waterborne glosses, and special effects, which were then each judged by leading industry experts.

The work piece was themed around darts and golf to coincide with Dulux Decorator Centres’ sponsorship of World Darts Champion, Adrian Lewis, who was present at the ceremony, and the venue, Celtic Manor, home of the Ryder Cup in 2010.

Michael was announced as the second place winner and presented with a coveted award, at the glitzy awards evening held at Celtic Manor, Newport, attended by all the finalists and their lecturers, as well as suppliers, sponsors and key executives from Dulux Decorator Centres.

As part of his prize, Michael won £500 in cash, a certificate, Cerruti pen, glass engraved trophy, group photo and a Dulux fluffy dog, plus a supplier goody bag, and a host of other prizes for their college, which will benefit future painting and decorating apprentices.

Beverley Whitehead, PR and marketing communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres, commented: “This is the fourth year we have held the Apprentice of the Year competition and the standard of the students this time round was exceptional.

“I want to congratulate Michael on his award and for all his hard work over the past few months in the build up to the final. He was a strong contender in the competition, and showed great technical skill and creativity. We wish him all the best for what we’re sure will be a very successful future ahead.”

Michael, currently one year through his apprenticeship at K College in Kent, said after the announcement: “I am so happy to have got this far in the competition, and I am honoured to have been awarded second place. The Dulux Decorator Centres’ Apprentice of the Year 2011 competition has given me a fantastic opportunity to meet some great contacts, and show off my painting and decorating skills.

“Dulux Decorator Centres has been hugely supportive over the past few months, and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to take part. The winner, Chris, was a great challenger for the award and I wish him all the best for the future.”