Seeking lucky number 100: Do you have what it takes?

27 Feb 2025

Since it started back in 1962, Dunedin painting and decorating firm Sims & Blue has trained 99 apprentices. Now, it’s seeking lucky number 100.

Applications are now open for the next star painter, and experience is not required. Founded by John Sims and Gilbert Blue 63 years ago, the focus has always been on giving people new to the trades a chance, rather than taking on people with a long CV.

“We look for attitude, do they have interests outside work, and people without preconceived notions who we can train to our level of quality. It’s something we’ve always done since we started,” explains Nathan Sims, John’s younger son and business director.

“It can be hard yakka, not only painting but having to strip and sand, so they’ve got to be willing and able to do that. But the reward is, with us, they’re in a small team who has your back, and who’s able to give you a chance to try all aspects of the job quicker than in a big firm. There’s also the pride people get in turning a home that was old and tired into something new again and giving homeowners back that same sense of pride.”

The approach is clearly paying off. Current employee Ashley Harris was Apprentice of the Year in 2022, and Sims & Blue has a host of awards for the quality of their work.

It also makes people want to stick around. Nathan recalls a kid called Hayden Murray at Alexandra Primary School when Sims & Blue was contracted to repaint it.

“He would hang around and pester them with questions. My dad remembered that when Hayden applied for a job at the age of 16 – and took him on as an apprentice. That was 32 years ago. He’s been with us ever since. And so has Kelly Broderick, who started the same year.”

Greg Durkin, director of BCITO, says Sims & Blue is an inspiration to other businesses across the construction industry, for their 63-year commitment to helping people get their start in the trades.

“We need more employers like the Sims, who can see the potential in someone who’s never held a paintbrush before, and who are actively trying to create a new generation of skilled tradies because it’s the right thing for the industry. We’re proud to be supporting their search for apprentice number 100 and look forward to seeing lots of keen applicants come forward. Even if they’re not successful this round, we’ll be working with Sims & Blue and Master Painters to find opportunities for as many worthy applicants as we can.”  

Do you have what it takes to be the 100th apprentice at Sims & Blue?

For more info on their team and to apply, visit https://bcito.org.nz/news-and-publications/news/seeking-lucky-number-100/.

Applications are open until Friday 7 March 2025.

Published: 27 Feb 2025