TU Dublin Announces Strategic Partnership with Fleetwood Paints Ltd
The School of Architecture, Building & Environment (SABE), Technological University Dublin, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Fleetwood Paints Ltd. Through this investment in education and skills development, Fleetwood Paints will support apprentice training within the Painting & Decorating section over the next two years, providing paints, materials and technical expertise to enhance the student learning experience.
This commitment reflects a shared belief in the importance of developing the next generation of skilled professionals and ensuring that apprentices have access to industry-leading products, knowledge and opportunities throughout their training.
Beyond supplying high-performance paints and materials, Fleetwood Paints will contribute its latest product innovations and sustainable application techniques through a series of talks and demonstrations for apprentices, students and industry professionals engaging with SABE.
The partnership includes:
- Product Integration: Full access to Fleetwood Paints' professional product lines for practical training modules.
- Expert Masterclasses: Regular guest lectures and technical demonstrations led by Fleetwood Paints' research and development team.
- The Fleetwood Paints Excellence Award: An annual professional toolkit awarded to an outstanding apprentice in recognition of excellence and achievement.
Speaking at the official launch, David McCoy, Head of Sales at Fleetwood Paints, said:
“Fleetwood has been over 75 years supplying decorating professionals with its industry leading range of paints and product applicators. From our manufacturing base in Virginia Co Cavan, we have a programme of continuous investment in chemists, paint manufacture, quality and product design. As Ireland’s largest Indigenous paint manufacturer, we are delighted to be partnering with the painting and decorating section of TU Dublin. It is important to us that we are part of the education and training of the next generation of professional painters and decorators.”
Tom Lundy, Lecturer in Painting & Decorating, commented:
“Our industry’s future depends entirely on the calibre of talent we develop today. By providing apprentices with the same professional-grade tools and expert insights they will use on the job, we are ensuring they enter the workforce with confidence and a competitive edge.”
Head of Discipline, Joseph Little, said he was:
“Delighted that the School can work with an innovative Irish manufacturer while driving standards in painting and decorating. Partnerships such as this demonstrate the important role industry can play in supporting education and helping students prepare for professional practice.”
Both Tom and David agree that these synergies and connections are vital in the training of apprentices, with Tom saying, “This is a great example of the real world in the classroom and workshop. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to training excellence and the promotion of painting and decorating as a skilled, high-demand career path.”
Head of School, Patrick Flynn, commented:
“I am delighted that the school will be working with such a leading partner in the paint industry, and we are really grateful for their support. I would also like to thank Tom, Eric and Joseph for all their work in bringing this initiative to fruition.”