Mark Nevin from East Calder has shown that he has the talent and skills to get ahead as a painter and decorator by taking home a gold medal at the 2009 WorldSkills competition in Calgary. The competition saw him test his skills against other young people in vocational employment, education and training.
The 21 year old left West Calder High School when he was 16. He had planned to go into the army however a football injury prevented him from fulfilling this ambition. Nevertheless he discovered that he had a passion and a talent for painting and decorating. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mark now plays a central part in the family business, Nevin of Edinburgh Decorators.
Mark Nevin
As well as completing his painting and decorating apprenticeship working alongside his father, Mark also successfully completed his SVQ Level one, two and three in painting and decorating at Telford College in Edinburgh.
While studying at Telford College, Mark was encouraged to take part in a number of skills competitions, which would allow him to excel in his trade and make the most of his skills. He enjoyed a great amount of success winning the Scottish Association of Painting Craft Teachers in his first, second and third year at college.
His success continued thereafter winning the 2005 regional finals of the Johnston's Paints award held in Angus College and then the UK final held in Leeds. Mark also successfully took first place in the regional heats of the Skillbuild competition, which then saw him compete at the UK finals.
Mark said: “Taking centre stage at the WorldSkills 2009 competition has been a great experience for me both personally and for my career. To win gold was brilliant. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
“My family, friends and colleagues are all really proud of my acheivement and the sense of satisfaction I got from winning was huge. I've been training hard for four years and I knew I just had to perform to the best of my ability and show the judges what I was capable of.
“My confidence has greatly improved. I have met lots of new people and gained a valuable insight into how others in my trade work. This has encouraged me to work hard and to make sure that I am the very best and really fulfil my potential.
“Over the next five years I am looking forward to improving my skills even further and gradually progressing up the career ladder. If I have the time and opportunity I would also like to help others train to take part in skills competitions as it is great way to get ahead.”
John Nevin, managing director of Nevin of Edinburgh Decorators said: “As an employer it is vital that we have a strong and enthusiastic work force behind us in order to uphold the reputation of our business. By supporting our staff to develop their skills and talents this will help strengthen the way we work in the long term and help our business to grow and develop.”
