National awards success for Inverness College UHI trio at painting and decorating awards
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Two students at Inverness College UHI have won industry awards, with a third named runner-up, at an event hosted by a national trade body.
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) announced the winners of its annual Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition at a gala dinner in Liverpool held as part of its annual networking weekend.
The three entrants from Inverness took part in a gruelling six-hour challenge held at The Hub in Doncaster earlier this year.
Designed to test their precision, timing and skill, the competition saw them take on painting and decorating apprentices from across the UK.
Apprentices were entered into Senior and Junior categories, with students from Inverness College UHI winning both sections.
Kimberley McIntyre (26) from Inverness, was named senior apprentice paperhanger of the year.
She said: “I was convinced I would be the runner-up, so it was great when I realised I’d won. We had a big family video call and I was crying, I couldn’t believe it.
“I think the competition is a really good opportunity and it definitely gave me a boost when I won.
“At the time of the competition event I was working with my brothers, David and Iain, at McIntyre Painting and Decorating Services and they were really supportive and happy for me when I won. I’m now working at A McNeil Painting and Taping Contractors and they’ve been really pleased for me as well, so it’s been brilliant.”
Miss McIntyre also thanked her Inverness College UHI lecturers for their support.
Winner in the junior category was Euan McLean (18) from Elgin, who works at Hendersons Ltd based in Rothes, Moray.
He said: “I enjoyed the competition it was a good experience, but I didn’t think I would win, so when I was told I was placed I was surprised but happy.
“Receiving first place was a shock but I’m really chuffed. The whole process gave me a lot more confidence in myself.”
Julie Henderson of Hendersons, added: “We are incredibly proud of Euan’s achievement. His success in the competition is recognition of his hard work and dedication.”
Rebecca Mackinnon (19), an apprentice at Neil Mackay & Co Ltd in Stornoway, was named junior runner-up.
She said: “You have to be quite speedy at the competition event, and it was good to be able to meet up with other people and get to know them as well as see their different styles and how they do things.
“I was glad I went to the competition and to the gala dinner in Liverpool and there’s always next year!”
Mark Mitchell, painting and decorating lecturer at Inverness College UHI said: “I am delighted for Kimberley, Euan and Rebecca, and feel immensely proud of everything our apprentices have achieved this year.
“They are absolutely committed to being the very best they can be, and these award wins are testament to the hard work and determination they continue to demonstrate each day.
“Opportunities like this are invaluable for our apprentices and I would like to thank the PDA for hosting this competition and their ongoing commitment to support the next generation of painters and decorators.”
The competition was judged by PDA chief executive Neil Ogilvie and PDA board member, Stuart Yates.
Mr Ogilvie also presented the awards, alongside Dave Hope, from competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres.
Mr Ogilvie said: “Our apprentice paperhanger of the year competition offers apprentices the chance to share their experiences, demonstrate their skills and network with their peers.
“Kimberley, Euan and Rebecca have demonstrated a commitment to their craft, an eye for detail and a quality application of the skills they have been learning as part of their apprenticeships.
“They are a credit to their employers and to Inverness College UHI, and I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate their success.”
