A STUDENT from Warrington Collegiate is celebrating after winning top spot at a SkillBuild Competition.

Chantelle Scargill, who is taking a painting and decorating course, was the only female competitor in the North West region in the painting and decoration competition.

The 18-year-old, from Orford, said: “I’m over the moon — it’s a great addition to my CV. The next step is the national finals at the NEC in Birmingham later this year.”

Chantelle joined the college in September 2014 after deciding to take a gap year before studying interior design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Paul Daly, lecturer in painting and decorating said: “The results from SkillBuild are a great achievement; this is the second time that the painting and decorating centre has had a winner at the event.

“I believe that this is a great demonstration of the college’s skill in developing the painting and decorating centre.”

Elliot Humphreys, a carpentry and joinery apprentice at the college, also managed to bag second place in his category despite being the youngest entrant.

The 18-year-old from Culcheth said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be awarded second place.

“Carpentry is my passion and one day I’m hoping to have my own company specialising in renovations.

“I’d really like to thank my lecturers at college and the company I work for, Trinity Renovations, who have given me so much encouragement and support.”

Warrington Guardian:

Elliot Humphreys

Many of the students that Elliot was competing against were studying a level above him and some had worked in the industry for a few years.

Ben Whitfield, lecturer in carpentry and joinery, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Elliot, his hard work and dedication is an inspiration to others.

“I’m certain that Elliot can look forward to a very successful career in the industry.

“The Skillbuild Competitions build on a long tradition of encouraging young people to develop their skills and craftsmanship and achieve the very highest standards of Skills.”

The next step for Elliot is waiting to hear if he has score highly enough at regional level to be one of the finalists in the national competition at the NEC later this year.