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West College Scotland students from across the region have been celebrating their fantastic achievements in Painting & Decorating.

Gary Hunter, 22 and from Greenock, started studying for an NPA in Painting & Decorating in 2013, and was named Student of the Year for his hard-work and achievements. He’s continued this success and has now been named 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year by the College.

Gary Hunter - Resize

“Following my course at the College, I moved into an apprenticeship with McDermid’s in Paisley and it’s been great. I’m now in my 2nd year and at a place where I know I can deliver any task to a high standard. It’s come in handy too; friends and family are always looking for help decorating! I’m always keen to keep improving my skills though, and I hope to come back to the College soon to develop my craft at an advanced level.”

James Fleming is also from Greenock, and started studying there for his NPA in Painting & Decorating in August 2015. James has now been named Student of the Year for the NPA course.

James Fleming - Resize

“I really enjoy my course and would love to move into an apprenticeship. I’m talking to a few local companies at the moment, and I’ve had a lot of great experience at the College – painting the corridors, and revamping different workshops – so hopefully something will come up. Painting & Decorating are great skills to have; I just moved into my first flat and the whole class came round to help decorate, it looks fantastic and we were done in no time!” 

Calum Love, 19 and from Linwood, is a first year apprentice at McDermid’s in Paisley, and has been awarded 1st Year Apprentice of the Year by the College.

Calum Love - Resize

“I started the NPA in Painting & Decorating in 2014. As part of that I had a 1 week work placement at McDermid’s. They must have been pleased with me, because they offered me a full apprenticeship – I was over the moon! Putting the skills I learned at the College into practice with McDermid’s means I’m already performing at a high standard.

Andrew Neeson is Curriculum Enhancement Lecturer in Business & Technology at the College, and couldn’t be prouder of the student’s achievements.

“Gary, James, and Calum are extremely hardworking students – as are all our students. They work well as part of their teams, but also work well using their own initiative. That they’re already able to work to a professional standard is a credit to themselves and the department. These students have achieved so much whilst at college, and we know they’ll go from strength to strength.”