On Thursday 8th May, four students from Milton Keynes College participated in a regional qualifier of SkillBuild’s Painting & Decorating (P&D) competition for the second consecutive year. Delivered by Go Construct and CITB, SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

Its P&D category was participated this year by one Level 1 and two Level 2 Painting and Decorating students and a Painting and Decorating Apprentice from Milton Keynes College. The students were accompanied by two staff members at the qualifier at Oaklands College.

Student competitors were expected to follow written specifications, using precise measurements to map out lines, circles and other shapes. They also practiced their painting skills, applying a minimum of two coats of paint to each shape. The students encountered some new challenges, including vinyl lettering which is not currently covered in their courses at the College. Although it was challenging, this excellent opportunity for personal development was enthusiastically welcomed by the students.

The work was evaluated by three judges, who graded the work against a set criteria which included the set-up of both background and foreground, decoration, lettering and wallpaper. Requiring careful planning and preparation as well as a focused approach to work, the competition was an opportunity for the students to feel the pressures of a real-world work environment.

The feedback from the students was positive – they enjoyed the competition despite the strict time limitation of six hours. Despite not finishing their work on time or qualifying for the final, the students were praised for representing themselves and the College brilliantly and producing a high standard of work.

Niamh, Level 2 Painting & Decorating student, said: “I wanted to participate to boost my confidence in painting, challenge my techniques and the material I have learned through the year, and test my speed and accuracy. The competition challenged me in all aspects that a painter and decorator would be challenged in. I enjoyed the competition, it was a fun experience.”

Samuel, Painting & Decorating apprentice, said: “I participated in SkillBuild to give myself a challenge. I don’t typically do the sort of things covered in the competition in my day job, so I thought it would be a good experience for me to broaden my horizons.

“The competition was good with some very competent painters participating. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite the time constraints towards the end.”

Ian Bradley, Workplace Trainer for Painting and Decorating at Milton Keynes College, said: “I would highly recommend that other construction departments consider entering their best students; it’s a great experience and pushes them to achieve their highest standards, as well as being introduced to the industry and its expectations.”

To learn more about Painting & Decorating at Milton Keynes College, read more about it here, and to learn more about Apprenticeships with us, read more here.