A PAINTING and decorating student who one day hopes to start her own business has won gold at a national skills competition.
Since the beginning of the year, students from across Wales have been competing in this year’s Skills Competition Wales: a series of competitions aiming to raise the profile of skills in Wales, funded by Welsh Government and organised by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales.
The awards ceremony was held on Thursday evening at Swansea Building Society Arena and was also streamed online for colleges to watch as they waited for their students’ names to be called.
Darcie-Leigh Jones who attends The College, Merthyr Tydfil, was awarded gold in the Painting and Decorating category.
Darcie, 18, studies Level Two City and Guilds Construction Painting and Decorating at the college and was commended for demonstration of her skills.
G-Darcie said: “I did beauty first but I moved over to painting and decorating last year because I wanted to do something different. I was just surprised to win gold. I didn’t expect it.”
Darcie said she’s already making plans for her career after college.
She said: “I want to work for someone else first and then eventually set up my own business.”
This is the third year in a row where The College, Merthyr Tydfil, students have won gold in this category. In 2020 to 2021, one student progressed to the World Skills Final.
Tutor and skills lead for Painting and Decorating, Lewis Jones, said: “As a college, we always strive to be at the forefront of meeting industry standards.
“Achieving gold in this category for the last three years, along with previous medals, showcases our commitment to excellence.
“This recognition gives us an extra edge in connecting with employers. It’s always special when our learners are acknowledged for their outstanding work, which is why we are passionate about teaching.
“We are incredibly proud of Darcie, who has not only excelled in skills competitions but also represents women in our trade area, proving that women are the future of the construction industry.”
The college also competed in other categories, with 13 learners achieving Highly Commended awards. Ffion Williams was awarded Silver in Inclusive Skills Health and Social Care.
Anna Andrews, Health and Social Care lecturer, said: “As a college, we are deeply committed to helping our learners reach their full potential.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Ffion’s incredible dedication has been recognised with a silver award in the Inclusive Skills for Health and Social Care competition – what an outstanding achievement.
“We are equally proud of the other learners who earned Commendable awards in Inclusive Health and Social Care and Childcare. These remarkable accomplishments reflect not only the hard work and commitment of our students but also their unwavering passion for this field of study.
“It fills us with immense pride to see their enthusiasm shine through, and it’s truly rewarding for our staff to witness the positive impact of their teaching in this area of expertise.”
