Painting and Decorating Lecturer Stuart Mackenzie (46) from Sauchie has done it all in his profession… he started as a Modern Apprentice, began his own business and employed MAs and now he teaches and trains MAs at the Forth Valley College Falkirk Campus.
Stuart said: “I attended Lornshill Academy until 1995 completing my standard grades and then I attended Falkirk College of Technology until 1999 completing my SVQ certificates in Painting and Decorating and my advanced craft certificate.
“When I completed my apprenticeship I left my employer to start work painting and decorating in the insurance sector. In 2005 I started my own business carrying out mostly domestic work, but also carried out a lot of decorating for hotels and factories, where we built up a great client list and travelled far and wide doing so. Employing apprentices myself was rewarding, and it was essential in building a good workforce that will give your company a good name and it was very satisfying when they became tradesman themselves.
“I also started teaching night classes, then worked covering for a lecturer. In 2023 I worked as an Apprentice Assessor for the College and in 2024 I was offered a full time lecturing post.
“Painting and decorating is an awesome job. It’s not often you’re doing the same job day after day. One day its preparation, next is painting, next you are applying coving, Ames taping or wallpaper etc. The variation can be extensive depending on your skills. You also work with lots of various other trades and build good relationships.
“The best bit for me has always been seeing apprentices flourish and helping them to realise their potential, that has always been very rewarding. Some tradesman have time constraints and this can impact the apprentice learning, at College we have time to teach in a group or one on one if needed, with no pressure on the student to have instant results. Making mistakes can be a good way for them to learn and progress.
“I would recommend it as it is an awesome job being able to pass on skills I learned from my old lecturers and tradesman, and seeing this being used to great effect.
“My advice to senior school pupils would be that if they are offered a class or apprenticeship, then they should grasp it with both hands and work hard, as it doesn’t end after college. I always wanted my own business but didn’t honestly think I could manage. However, with the confidence the College can give you, you can achieve whatever you put your mind too. I have had my business for 20 years and I am now a lecturer, so the sky is the limit if you put your mind to it.
“The limits are endless at college as there is so much available to learn and that is why it may be a better option than university. I know as I am currently going through all my teaching awards and I am loving it.”