PAINTING and decorating student Catherine Blundell has scooped a silver medal for excellence in her work.

The 17-year-old was presented with the award at the South West Skillbuild Regional competition, which was held at the Somerset College of Arts and Technology in Taunton.

Catherine, who is a full-time student on the ICA painting and decorating course at Swindon College, was also awarded a student of the month' prize for 100 per cent attendance and effort.

"The competition was really exciting," said Catherine from Highworth.

"I saw what we had to do and thought oh God, it looks so difficult' but I was pleased with the result and couldn't believe I got second place."

The Skillbuild competition is endorsed by The Construction Industry Training Board, The Department for Education and Skills and UK Skills.

The national contest identifies the best young trainee in the UK within each trade discipline.

Catherine had to demonstrate her wallpapering, stencilling and painting skills for judges from a list of instructions and was given just a day to complete all three tasks.

"My family were so pleased when I won silver," she said. "I think they were about as surprised as I was."

Catherine is splitting her time between college and working for Highworth-based Neil Biles Decorators whom she will start an apprenticeship with in September.

The teenager got into the industry after helping her mum re-decorate the house.

"I stripped and re-decorated the walls and my mum was really pleased so I thought maybe I could make a career out of it," Catherine said.

"I'm only 17 but everything is going really well and I'd like to run my own business one day."

Work-based learning manager Marie Sneddon said: "Catherine will be a fantastic apprentice, she has shown her commitment and attention to detail in her work already.

"When we interviewed her for the apprenticeship we all thought she would be an excellent amb assador for the college and the industry."

Catherine will now go forward to the national finals of the Skillbuild competition, which will be held in October at Leeds College of Building.

"We'd like to wish her the best of luck," said Marie.

For more information about the Skillbuild competition visit www.skillbuild.org.uk.

For more information on painting and decorating courses or apprenticeships, call Swindon College free on 0800 731 2250 or email studentservices@swindon-college.ac.uk.