Latest news with #ApprenticeoftheYear
Glasgow Times
19-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
South Lanarkshire College student wins national award
Nathan Alexander, a student at South Lanarkshire College, placed third in the Painting and Decorating Association's (PDA) Apprentice of the Year contest. This came after he battled through two six-hour challenges that tested precision, stamina, and skill. Read more: Young trainees bringing new life to historic hall Nathan, an employee of Robert Wilson & Son Painting Contractors Ltd in Glasgow, was one of 16 top scorers from five regional heats across England, Scotland, and Wales, making it all the way to the Grand Final in Doncaster, He then went on to be crowned third junior, receiving his award at the PDA's award ceremony held at Plaisterers' Hall in London. Nathan said: "The competition itself was a great experience, and then to come to this amazing event and receive an award is a massive bonus." The competition stages involved a six-hour task where competitors had to scale up, measure out, and precisely paint a complex design. Their work was judged by Andrew Davis of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and Neil Ogilvie, chief executive of the PDA. Read more: Original Balamory stars to return to new island series after two decades Neil said: "The PDA's Apprentice of the Year competition is a demanding but ultimately rewarding experience for people learning the skills required for a career in colour. "Apprentices are challenged to accurately scale up and precisely paint a complex design, which tests their knowledge and skill in the craft, and we know they value the experience of both taking part in the competition and attending the awards ceremony in London. "Nathan was a top scorer regionally and nationally, and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on the outstanding work that secured him third place in the Junior category of the PDA Apprentice of the Year 2025." The Apprentice of the Year competition was sponsored by Purdy, CITB and Johnstone's Trade.
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
East Kilbride student claims apprentice award for painting and decorating
Nathan Alexander, who attends South Lanarkshire College, placed third in the Painting and Decorating Association's (PDA) Apprentice of the Year contest after battling through two six-hour challenges designed to test precision, stamina and skill. An East Kilbride student has received a national award recognising their skill in painting and decorating. Nathan Alexander, who attends South Lanarkshire College, placed third in the Painting and Decorating Association's (PDA) Apprentice of the Year contest after battling through two six-hour challenges designed to test precision, stamina and skill. He was revealed as 3rd Junior at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by the PDA at Plaisterers' Hall, London. Nathan, who works for Robert Wilson & Son Painting Contractors Ltd in Glasgow, was among 16 top scorers from five regional heats across England, Scotland and Wales to make it through to the Grand Final in Doncaster. He said: 'The competition itself was a great experience and then to come to this amazing event and receive an award is a massive bonus.' Both stages of the competition involve a six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, stamina and skill in scaling up, measuring out and precisely painting a complex design within the time given and were judged by Andrew Davis of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the PDA. Neil Ogilvie said: 'The PDA's Apprentice of the Year competition is a demanding but ultimately rewarding experience for people learning the skills required for a career in colour. 'Apprentices are challenged to accurately scale up and precisely paint a complex design which tests their knowledge and skill in the craft, and we know they value the experience of both taking part in the competition and attending the awards ceremony in London. 'Nathan was a top scorer regionally and nationally, and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on the outstanding work that secured him third place in the Junior category of the PDA Apprentice of the Year 2025.' The Apprentice of the Year competition was sponsored by Purdy, CITB and Johnstone's Trade and winners received their awards at the PDA's prestigious Premier Trophy Awards held at Plaisterers' Hall in London. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Nathan flies the flag for Lanarkshire at national awards ceremony
A Lanarkshire student has received a national award recognising their skill in painting and decorating. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nathan Alexander, who attends South Lanarkshire College, placed third in the Painting and Decorating Association's (PDA) Apprentice of the Year contest after battling through two six-hour challenges designed to test precision, stamina and skill. He was revealed as 3rd Junior at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by the PDA at Plaisterers' Hall, London. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nathan, who works for Robert Wilson & Son Painting Contractors Ltd in Glasgow, was among 16 top scorers from five regional heats across England, Scotland and Wales to make it through to the Grand Final in Doncaster. Nathan Alexander receives an accolade at the PDA Premier Trophy Awards He said: 'The competition itself was a great experience and then to come to this amazing event and receive an award is a massive bonus.' Both stages of the competition involve a six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, stamina and skill in scaling up, measuring out and precisely painting a complex design within the time given and were judged by Andrew Davis of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the PDA. Neil Ogilvie said: 'The PDA's Apprentice of the Year competition is a demanding but ultimately rewarding experience for people learning the skills required for a career in colour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Apprentices are challenged to accurately scale up and precisely paint a complex design which tests their knowledge and skill in the craft, and we know they value the experience of both taking part in the competition and attending the awards ceremony in London. 'Nathan was a top scorer regionally and nationally, and I congratulate him wholeheartedly on the outstanding work that secured him third place in the Junior category of the PDA Apprentice of the Year 2025.' The Apprentice of the Year competition was sponsored by Purdy, CITB and Johnstone's Trade and winners received their awards at the PDA's prestigious Premier Trophy Awards held at Plaisterers' Hall in London.
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Brad Smith Claims AotY
6 July 2025 Transcontinental Packaging NZ print supervisor and flexographic printer Brad Smith was named the BJ Ball 2024 Apprentice of the Year* on stage at the 2025 Pride In Print Awards hosted at the Cordis Auckland on Friday July 4. Before a very receptive crowd of well over 500, Mr Smith delivered a brief but very heartfelt speech, in which he quipped 'there are a few more people here than at my wedding', before individually and sincerely thanking his wife and children, all involved in his training and his employers. 'This is incredible recognition, it is an unreal feeling,' he said from the stage. Mr Smith also paid tribute to fellow Apprentice of the Year Finalists – Eligh Arthur (Gravure Packaging), Toese Fauatea (Opal Packaging NZ, Cartons), Tayla Jones (Logan Print), Jessia Moore (Imagine If Creative Studios) and Faamao (Paul) Müller (Wedderburn New Zealand). 'The future of print is in great hands with people like you and our industry is looking bright,' he said. 'I'm proud to be part of such a passionate, skilled and resilient community.' Transcontinental Packaging NZ print manager Nick Ball stated it had 'been a privilege' to watch Mr Smith 'learn and grow through his time in the apprenticeship'. 'Brad has always showed high enthusiasm and excellent attitude towards learning new things,' said Mr Ball. 'He is never afraid to try something new and create a broader knowledge for himself. 'Brad is a very reliable team member, never takes anytime off and is always keen to jump in and do extra hours when required. 'He has already completed a certificate in business management level 1 and 2. He was a shift supervisor in the extrusion department for several years and is also now a shift supervisor in the printing department. Brad has also got an apprentice on his shift and has been tasked with working and leading the apprentice to become a qualified printer. 'He has come out the other end of the apprenticeship a great printer and I have high hopes for him furthering his career in the print industry.' When introducing the Top 6 Apprentices of the Year and their trainers on stage PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb described an 'outstanding batch of graduates'. 'We had trouble narrowing it down to our usual five – so tonight we have six talented individuals who have all been named as Apprentice of the Year in their individual sectors,' said Ms Cobb. 'Each of these people have chosen a career in the printing industry and worked hard to complete their apprenticeships, and not just complete them – but to come out on top. This is a testament not just to them, but to their trainers (the people who have stood on their shoulder both figuratively and right now literally) and the businesses they work for and to their Competenz support team who ensured they got through. 'With the support of the businesses they work for, their training mentors and in particular their families, they have shown the great heights they can reach. Each of you should be so proud of yourselves. 'We interviewed each of these people today and they were all so passionate about their jobs and the work they produce. Every one of them spoke with such technical detail about the work they brought along, highlighting again that print is a craft. 'I know this is just the beginning of your journey – the learning does not stop here. You all have aspirations to go further and do more and we are so glad you are doing that in our industry. Congratulations – we are all so very proud of you.' Prestigious PrintNZ Awards Also bestowed at the 2025 Pride In Print Awards Evening were the following prestigious PrintNZ Awards: Business Awards Category (Sustainability) – Sealed Air Hamilton Trainer of the Year – Aaron Smith (Opal Kiwi Packaging Auckland) Training Company of the Year – Blue Star Wellington Additionally, Business Awards Gold Medals were presented as follows: *2024 was the year of completion of the apprenticeship
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Young achievers from Coleg Cambria celebrated at awards
The North East Wales college saw five of its students reach the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Nicola Culkin, a quality manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, took home the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, was highly commended in the Rising Star category. Other finalists included Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery, and Belinda Rossouw from Maelor Foods, all of whom were nominated in the same category. Kate Muddiman, work-based learning manager at Coleg Cambria, said: "They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them. "It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour." The ceremony celebrated some of the most innovative food and drink producers in Wales, with categories designed to showcase the diversity and talent within the sector. Rhys Iley, chair of judges, said: "It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. "Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals." The Wales Food and Drink Awards were co-founded by Liz Brookes, director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. In a related event, Ms Muddiman recently served as a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were tasked with designing food products that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins. READ MORE: Meet the couple behind Wrexham's vibrant community farm Things are definitely looking so bright as talented Airbus squad takes shape Ms Muddiman said: "It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year. "The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. "The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. "An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career." The Wales Food and Drink Awards will return in 2026. Further information can be found at
