Mark Nevin from East Calder has shown that he has the talent and the right skills to get ahead as a painter and decorator. His determination has allowed him to secure a place in the UK squad at the WorldSkills 2009 competition in Calgary, which sees young people in vocational employment, education and training test their skills against each other.
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.
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: "Participating in these national skills competitions has been a great experience for me both personally and for my career. It has given me so much more experience and allowed me to improve my skills which I can then apply to my trade.
"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."
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."
Charlie Murnin, lecturer in painting and decorating at Telford College said: "We are delighted that Mark has reached this stage of the WorldSkills competitions and his achievements are well deserved. Mark showed a great deal of determination and enthusiasm while he studied at Telford College and he is great example to other students who want to excel in their trade.
"We work closely with our students and believe that it is important to encourage them to really work hard to develop their skills and talents to ensure they reach the best of their ability. Skills competitions are a great way to help achieve this and Mark's successes definitely reflect this."
To find out more about WorldSkills or to register for competitions in your sector visit www.worldskillsuk.org/scotland