A Doncaster apprentice who worked alongside Guy Martin has been awarded first place in a decorating competition

Shortlisting for the competition started at Doncaster College in June and apprentices from up and down the country came along to take part in a seven-hour creative contest of painting and decorating.

Having left school at 16, Alex initially went down the path of hair and beauty but later decided that it wasn’t the career that she wanted to pursue.

Eventually she discovered a love for painting and decorating as she watched her mum who is a painter and decorator, Alex said that she fancied trying it for herself.

In 2017 her journey continued when she started at Doncaster College on the multi skills course which is an introduction to a variety of construction trades and from there she went onto the level 2 painting and decorating course.

Previously, Alex was nominated by the Painting and Decorating Association twice in two years and this year she was shortlisted and invited to attend the awards which took place in Leeds, when asked about her win she said: “I really didn’t expect to win, especially after coming second place last year in the Junior category, it was a real surprise for me.”

Earlier this year, Alex worked alongside television presenter guy martin, known for his engineering projects, on his TV programme ‘Building Britain.’

The inspirational teenager has now moved onto level three painting and decorating and is an apprentice for local company Hargreaves & Stocks, working three days for her employer and two days at Doncaster College.

She speaks highly of the college staff that have really supported her. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support and encouragement my tutors have shown me.”

Glen Galbraith; painting and decorating tutor and multi skills tutor Mark Adams spotted potential in Alex and knew she would go far.

Her advice for others interested in the construction trades is “Just do it, go out there and see what it’s like, until you have tried it you just won’t know what you enjoy doing.” Alex is now looking forward to a full-time career.