Toby, 18 – Building his future as a Painter and Decorator

Toby was referred to VIY by Vision West Notts College and joined his first project at St Peter’s Centre in Mansfield (funded by Mansfield City Council via UKSPF) in March 2025.

He then volunteered in a second VIY project, at The Treasury, Mansfield, funded by Morgan Sindall, where he took part because of his interest in the NOCN Level 1 Environmental Awareness and Sustainability in Construction qualification, which he successfully achieved. In addition, Toby also gained two Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations in Introducing Paint Finishing Skills and Conduct at Work through his participation in the projects.

Throughout the VIY projects, Toby developed his skills, confidence, and work ethic, and was put forward for a trial week with the Bell Group, an opportunity facilitated through VIY’s partnership with the Dulux Decorator Centre, where he impressed and secured a full Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship.

Five months in, Toby is thriving and excited to build his future as a Painter and Decorator.

Elliot says: “My dad’s a painter, so I’d always had painting and decorating in mind. When the opportunity came up, I just went for it. The apprenticeship is going really well and my confidence has grown a lot since starting.”