Athlone decorator through to final of 'top tradesperson' awards
Athlone painting contractor Aaron Joyce will be travelling to England next week to compete in the final of a competition to find the best tradesperson across the UK and Ireland.
Aaron (39) is one of ten finalists for the Screwfix Top Tradesperson award, 2022, with the final taking place at the Screwfix Live trade show in Farnborough, England, on Friday next (September 23).
He is one of just two Irish tradespeople to reach the final of the contest, which offers the top prize of "a career-boosting €20,000 package made up of tech, tools, and training."
A Mayfield Grove resident, who is originally from Cornamaddy, Aaron has more than 20 years of experience in painting and decorating.
He started out by working with his Dad, Fintan, which eventually led to him starting his own business as AJ Painting Contractors.
Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Aaron said he was delighted to have made the final of the awards.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet. It's a great opportunity for myself, and my own profile, but for me one of the big things is to try to raise the profile of painting and decorating in Ireland in general," he said.
"It kind of has the stigma attached that anybody can do it, but in the last few years, with the development of new tools, I feel painting and decorating has come on an awful lot."
In his own business, Aaron works on both residential and commercial projects, and also works on certain jobs in conjunction with Dulux Ireland.
A statement issued on behalf of the tradesperson competition said Aaron and the other nine finalists were selected due to their "expertise, drive, and determination to go above and beyond for their customers."
At the final next week they will face a panel of industry experts, which includes representatives from the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, and the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2021 winner, Dan Lloyd.
"Since stepping into the trade I've had a passion for the work and for customers. Working alongside my father in the past, who has over 40 years' experience in the trade, has given me an amazing opportunity to learn and grow," commented Aaron.
"I am extremely passionate about painting and decorating and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with other people.
"I'm confident in my abilities and hope to become an ambassador for the industry while continuing to expand my business. Winning the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award would help to accelerate these plans."
Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, said: "Our annual award looks to reward the best tradespeople across the UK and Ireland.
"In telling their stories, we want to shine a light on the trade and the skilled work carried out by professionals, day in, day out. Through this award we also hope to inspire others to start a career in the trade and to champion the industry. Good luck to our top 10!"
More information about the Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022 award can be found at: screwfix.com/stt/