Jordan Charters - Painting and Decorating
There's not much Jordan hasn't accomplished as he embarks on his third year at Edinburgh College on the Painting and Decorating modern apprenticeship. Juggling long hours in the college workshops with an on-site apprenticeship at his dad's painting and decorating firm, Jordan strongly believes that the course was the right path for him.
"I left school with five Highers and I could've gone to university but I wanted to go straight into the world of employment and give myself a good kick start. I'm not really a sit-down-and-revise kind of guy but I did want the opportunity to open doors into the industry. I would love to become a specialist in many aspects of the painting trade, particularly marbling, graining and gold leafing, which I am learning every day. I also intend to run my own business one day."
The structure of the term means that much time is dedicated to getting students work ready
"I've never felt restricted by class assignments or academic overload. By third year you've got even more opportunity to specialise with your Advanced Craft module so the list is endless."
Named as the Centre's Apprentice of the Year for two years running and winning a College Recognition Award, he has also taken his skill set to major industry competitions across the UK from Skill Build to the SAPCT. Jordan has also won a place at the final of the Crown Paints Apprentice Decorator of the year competition after winning his Scottish heat. He will join eleven other regional finalists in Birmingham in November for the Skills Show, the UK's biggest skills and careers event, to battle it out for the title of national champion.
"It was an amazing feeling winning the Scottish regional heats but I'm always looking to better myself. As soon as I sat down after gaining my certificate I was already thinking about the UK final. This is the stepping stone to bigger and better things and has shown me the merits of getting a trade, and real experience, behind you."
Cary Smith - Carpentry and Joinery
Cary Smith completed Adult and Professional Development Award Level 7 in Carpentry and Joinery (Advanced Craft C and J Certificate).
"I found the course amazing. The knowledge and skills learnt in college have allowed me to excel within the carpentry and joinery trade.
The course is well rounded and you learn all aspects of carpentry and joinery from on-site work to bench work. The lecturers have a good understanding and knowledge of the course, they helped me achieve my goal to become a great joiner. Since attending this course at college, I have been privileged enough to be invited to enter competitions on behalf of the college. This has helped me with time management and troubleshooting, not to mention gaining new skills. I am very happy with this course and I would like to thank the lecturers and support staff at Edinburgh College for assisting me in becoming a fully qualified joiner."
Ryan Caw - Excellence Award in Carpentry and Joinery
Winner of the Excellence Award in Carpentry, Joinery, Painting and Decorating in the FE Awards 2014 after studying Carpentry and Joinery then the Advanced Craft Course at Edinburgh College.