Gold and bronze for Dan and Jordan
Two Edinburgh College apprentices lifted trophies at a national skills competition this week, toppling UK rivals as they painted, decorated and crafted their way to success.
Construction apprentices Dan Macaulay and Jordan Charters put their talents to the test at Birmingham’s NEC at The Skills Show, the nation’s largest skills and careers event.
Dan, a stonemasonry apprentice, won gold in the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Skillbuild national final and Painting and Decorating apprentice Jordan won bronze in the Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition.
They battled it out over two days of timed skill tests, working to precise guidelines to produce outstanding pieces of work against the clock.
Dan (above), who is from Peebles and works for the firm Land Engineering, created a masonry component to win the prize, beating competition from seven other apprentices.
He said: “Winning gold was a massive achievement for me – I wasn’t expecting it one bit and the competition was fierce. When I got up to receive my award at the ceremony it was an amazing moment. Who knows what the future holds? I’m learning every day. I love what I do so my dream is to keep doing it.”
Stuart Dillett, managing director at Land Engineering, said: “Dan is a superb example of the results that can be achieved when private businesses and colleges collaborate, with the sole focus of developing skills in traditional trades in a commercial environment that is all too often lacking in home-grown talent. We are immensely proud of his achievements and privileged to have Dan as part of our team.”
Jordan (above), from Selkirk, beat eleven other apprentices from around the UK to win his prize, for decorating the stands of a model Rugby World Cup stadium.
Jordan, who works for his father’s firm, George Charters, said: “I knew I was in good stead to win a medal when I made it through the regionals. The pressure was on and I’m very competitive so I was naturally over the moon when I won bronze.”
The win means he has been shortlisted for the World Skills UK team and begins training for the international competition held in Abu Dhabi in October 2017.
Taking on the advice of former Edinburgh College student and 2009 World Skills champion Mark Nevin, who has been mentoring him, Jordan added: “World Skills really is a game changer. You have to be 20 or under to compete so this is my only shot. The competition is about more than just your practical ability. It requires a strong mental approach and an even stronger competitive drive. I can’t wait to rise to the challenge.”
John Laing, head of the Institute for Construction and Building Crafts said: “I’m delighted for Dan and Jordan, who worked steadily and meticulously despite the pressures of being watched by thousands of passers-by. I’d also like to give a special thank you to their college mentors Gordon Mallace and Martin Hobbs who supported on the day.”
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