Following on from the success of its Garden Academy, which is now in its second year, Homebase has launched a new programme that aims to get more young people interested in careers in interior design and decorating.
The first ever intake of students was revealed by the home enhancement retailer exclusively at Grand Designs Live last Thursday.

The 13 candidates are to join Homebase for a year, where they will learn the tricks of the trade from industry experts, including leading Homebase suppliers Dulux, Harris and Graham & Brown.

The students will also receive City & Guilds training to ensure they have practical experience as well as knowledge about the latest trends to pass on to customers, as they advise them in Homebase design centres.

Homebase HR director John Shaw said: "As one of the UK's leading home enhancement retailers, we are committed to championing our industry as a great career choice - and we're delighted to be able to offer young people such a significant boost on the career ladder.

"We received a fantastic response when we announced we were looking to start a Design & Decorating Academy - and we are excited to welcome the new students on what is set to be a great start to their careers."

Speaking about her new role as part of the Design & Decorating Academy, student Annie Henley, 26 from Hemel Hempstead said: "Interior design is my passion - I love decorating my own home and advising friends and family on how they can improve their rooms. I can't believe I now have the opportunity to do this as my job, and learn all about interior design and decorating from the experts. I can't wait to get started."

The successful Homebase Design & Decorating Academy students and their store locations are:
Ruth Southall: Blackpole, Worcester
Angelica Edwards-Marsh: Moor Allerton, Leeds
Nicola Brissett: Selly Oak, Birmingham
Carolyn Arnold: Chelmsford
Louise Hutchinson: Moor Allerton, Leeds
Michael Player: St Albans
Anna Casson: Kingston
Carly Fordham: Battersea
Sarah-Jayne Bedford: Solihull
Joanne Berry: Ruislip
Annie Henley: Hemel Hempstead
Imanol Arrue: Battersea
Salsabil El-Awaisi: Blackhall, Edinburgh

Those completing the scheme to a satisfactory level may receive an offer to progress their career within Homebase stores, either within our distribution network or at head office in Milton Keynes.