IN THE PRESS_________

      During my time studying at Guildford College, I was handpicked by the head of department to enter Johnstone's Young Painter of the Year. This is a prestigious painting and decorating competition that celebrates young talent from all over our nation that placed us all head to head, in a race to prove our skills in the trade.

I started by competing in the regional heats at East Berkshire College, Langley, against a room full of highly capable apprentices. After working to a strict specification, painting a large canvas that displayed a spectrum of decorating skills, I was overjoyed to win first place down to my crisp lines and exacting methods that ensured a high standard of work. These qualities of my work, led me to win the south east regional heat two years in succession. Therefore, allowing me to be a finalist both years, centre stage at the National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry. Here I faced accomplished competition and just missed out on the title, becoming runner up.

However, this consistency at Johnstone's, along with my Distinction* in BTEC Construction, in my first year, and fully completing my advanced apprenticeship with a year to spare; gave me the recognition to win Surrey County Apprentice of the Year Award given by Surrey Satro at Kingston County Hall, to then finish off nicely with Guildford College Apprentice of the Year. This was my proudest year winning both national and county awards, being recognised for my hard work and talent in my trade.