College apprenticeship pays off for painter and decorater

Apprentice at City of Glasgow College secures role with Glasgow based painting and decorating company, Scott Brothers.

Jaemie Smith, a City & Guilds painting and decorating apprentice was one of six students who initially volunteered to do work experience with the firm two years ago.

As a result, owner and director, Andy McNicol, gave him an apprenticeship and has now offered him a full-time role at the company.

Jaemie gained both an NPA and a City & Guilds Diploma in painting and decorating at college. Securing the apprenticeship, and now permanent employment, means a great deal to the 37-year-old who has been painting since he was 17.

“I made the decision to come to college so I would have qualifications as a painter and decorator,” he explains. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I was sceptical at first, because of my age, but it was a great experience and I have learned a lot from my time at City of Glasgow College.

“All the lecturers have been brilliant with me, and working with Scott Brothers has been really enjoyable because of all the different aspects of the job the company covers. I get to see jobs from start to finish, and have even worked away for them.”

Andy McNicol from Scott Brothers commented:

“I knew from day one that Jaemie was experienced in painting and decorating, his manner with both clients and work colleagues is exceptional. It has been a pleasure to have him with us. Since he started, his attendance has been brilliant and time keeping impeccable. He comes into work and just gets on with whatever he’s asked to do. He has picked up everything I have flung at him in the trade very quickly, and to a very high standard.”

“Andy is great to work for,” adds Jaemie. “He is a laidback boss, but with an eye for detail so everything needs to be done to a very high standard. I like that because it pushes you every day to be the best that you can be. From college to employment, it  has just been an amazing experience.”

“I’ll be looking to get Jaemie running a few bigger sites for me in the future as I feel he is more than capable,” said Andy. “I also think he’ll be able to step up and become a contracts manager and look after various sites. I look forward to working with Jaemie for a number of years.”

Michael McEwan, lecturer in construction at City of Glasgow College, who taught Jaemie, said:

“These apprenticeships offer life changing opportunities and Jaemie is a great example for other students who will see the chance of future employment, not only with Scott Brothers but other industry partners.

“Jaemie has been a model student throughout his time with us. He has shown that no matter what your age, we can all re-learn and adapt to make a better life for ourselves. We all wish him the very best for the future, and perhaps one day he might be back here teaching the NPA class where it all started for him.”

Scott Brothers were awarded a published tender for painting services at City of Glasgow College’s Riverside campus and accommodation block. “The apprenticeship resulted from that,” explains Charles Kennedy, the college’s procurement co-ordinator. “It really is an excellent example of partnership engagement between college and industry by procurement for community benefit."