Painting and Decorating Modern Apprentice Katie McLaren has become the first recipient of the James Park Award for Excellence.
Katie (23) from Auchterarder – who has recently completed her apprenticeship while working with the five star luxury Gleneagles Hotel resort in Perthshire - was chosen by Forth Valley College’s STEM and Construction Department’s Painting and Decorating section, to win the prize which is named after a former P&D lecturer.
Katie – who is just about to fly to Australia for a six month working holiday – said: “I had no idea at all that I was in contention for this award, it is such a surprise. I am really honoured to win such a special prize and to be the first to do so is amazing.”
Graeme Williamson, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of STEM and Construction, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Katie, she’s been a pleasure to have in our department. Awards have always been a part of FVC tradition, but since Covid we have been caught in catch-up recovery situation, so we decided it was time for a new award and a fresh start. Long term Lecturer, mentor and friend of mine –James Park, who taught me Painting & Decorating at College and still pops in from time to time, was the perfect person to honour the title for this award. Katie really deserves to have won this award and she is a real pioneer for females into Construction.”
Lecturer Michael Denzey, said: “We are all absolutely delighted that Katie is the first winner of our James Park award for excellence in painting and decorating.
“Katie is a keen rugby player and she suffered a serious knee injury resulting in two operations which unfortunately meant she lost a lot of time out of College. Upon her return she wasted no time in catching up with the work she has missed and caught up soon enough. Not only did she have to complete the work she missed, she also had a national competition heat to start training for and she demonstrated a great attitude and an unconquerable will power.
“Katie’s success in her time with the College has been nothing short of remarkable. Over this period, she has constantly demonstrated unwavering dedication, a strong work ethic, and passion for her craft. From the early days Katie’s enthusiasm and passion for painting and decorating were evident.
“She embraced every challenge, learning the intricacies of colour theory, surface preparation, hanging wall coverings and applying paint by spray systems. Her work has consistently showcased an exceptional eye for detail and commitment to delivering a high quality finish, which she proved at The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) competition in Glasgow recently. We wish her well in her career and look forward to her coming back to the College to tell us how she is getting on.”
Katie, who plays rugby for Stirling County added: “I missed a few months due to a rupture to my ACL, but Michael and the Department kept me up to speed with everything and made the learning process so easy.
“I would 100% recommend the Modern Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating to anyone – especially to women – as everyone is very welcoming and encouraging.”
The photo shows (from left to right) Graeme Williamson Curriculum Manager in the Department of STEM and Construction, Katie McLaren, Stuart McKenzie FVC Painting and Decorating Work Based Assessor and Michael Denzey, Painting and Decorating Lecturer.
