Christopher Blake
Competition Painting and Decorating Age 21 Qualifications SVQ Level 3 Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship
Hometown Livingston, Scotland Training Provider Edinburgh Telford College Training Manager Mike Swan
"I am taking regular exercise and eating healthily. I am also getting myself mentally prepared to ensure that I am in the right frame of mind. I know from my experience of skills competitions it is very easy to lose concentration due to anxiety."
Profile
Chris became interested in painting and decorating at a young age, watching his father decorating at home. At 16, Chris began an apprenticeship as a result of contacting local painting and decorating companies regarding training opportunities.
Chris was encouraged by lecturers at Edinburgh's Telford College to enter skills competitions. At the SkillBUILD 2006 UK Final Christopher won bronze in the painting and decorating event. His success gave him the opportunity to compete in a play-off event with two other competitors to determine who would be the UK painting and decorating representative at WorldSkills:
"Competing in skills competitions has helped me to sharpen my skills and improve my ability to work within specific time schedules. I was delighted to win the playoff event and to have the opportunity to compete at WorldSkills. I am very grateful to my lecturers who have helped me throughout the process."
Whilst working on an intensive technical training programme in preparation for WorldSkills, Chris is taking extra steps to prepare his mind and body, having created his own personal development plan.
In his spare time Chris enjoys playing football and listening to music.
Employer
Mardon Decorating Services is based in Bathgate, West Lothian and specialises in painting and decorating and building maintenance.
Competition Requirements
Chris's tasks will include preparing and applying wall hangings and the application of water-based materials, including all preparations of base walls and woodwork with a flat trowel, paintbrush and applicator.
