College Painting and Decorating apprentices take part in BBC’s DIY SOS

City of Glasgow College Painting and Decorating apprentices have put their skills into practice on a very special project after taking part in an upcoming episode of BBC One’s DIY SOS.

Supported by Painting and Decorating Lecturer Michael McEwan, the apprentices joined tradespeople, local businesses and volunteers from across Glasgow to help transform the home of the Connolly family in Newton Mearns, creating a safe and accessible space for their daughter, Nell, who has mobility needs.

The students volunteered their time and expertise as part of a major renovation to transform the family home into a wheelchair-accessible space, working alongside the DIY SOS team and professional tradespeople to complete the project in a matter of days.

The experience gave the apprentices the opportunity to take the skills they have developed at the College and put them into practice on a live project with a real purpose.

Working as part of a large team and against tight deadlines, they gained valuable experience of life on a busy building site while contributing their time and skills to a project designed to make a genuine difference.

The apprentices were also supported by Crown Decorating Centre Tradeston, which donated painting materials and sundries for the project.

Michael said:

“It has been fantastic to see their pride, enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the project. They have developed their confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills, while seeing first-hand the positive impact their trade can have on someone’s life.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the students have achieved, and it’s been a privilege to be involved in such a worthwhile project.”

For second-year Painting and Decorating apprentice Ross Burns, who works for Decorall Ltd, the experience was one he will take with him throughout his apprenticeship and career.

Ross said:

“Taking part in DIY SOS was an amazing experience and something I’ll never forget. It was a great opportunity to put the skills I’ve been learning at College into practice on a real project that made a difference in someone’s life.

“Working alongside other apprentices, lecturers, tradespeople and the wider DIY SOS team was brilliant. Being part of something that was not just about decorating, but about helping a family and making a positive difference, gave me a real sense of pride in my trade.

“It’s definitely an experience I’ll take with me throughout my apprenticeship and my career, and I’m really proud to have been part of DIY SOS.”

The College apprentices will feature in the upcoming episode of DIY SOS, which is due to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next week – 22 September.