K College student, Michael Chalmers from Dover is the officially the country’s best painter – he won the United Kingdom title winning a Gold Medal at the Skillbuild UK competition.

Michael has already won top titles in other painting competitions this year, but the Skillbuild UK competition is the pinnacle for every tradesman. The competition this year took place at the Leeds College of Building from Wednesday September 14 to Friday September 16.

Michael, who is 21 and lives in Elvington, Dover, works for JCL Decorating and Building Services, won £1,000 as well as tools for his decorating job.

Michael has completed his studies for an NVQ2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations as an apprentice, and now works full time.


During the competition, Michael had to paint to an assigned design and work to tight technical specifications, using different kinds of paints and tools, as well as stencils, within a set time frame.

Michael said: ‘This time, it felt very straightforward. I’ve been to other competitions where others couldn’t finish. I think this time it was a combination of learning from past mistakes and the fact that I’ve got used to competitions and know to go right from the whistle. I’m probably going to be very boring with my winnings, and invest in some new tools for work, or a van maybe.’

His K College tutor, Bruce Kerney, said: ‘As a college we have been trying to break the cycle of the northern colleges winning the national SkillBuild final. This was our third final and it was third time lucky. I am very pleased with Mike's ability to perform under pressure, which is intense at national level. Mike is able to produce an excellent trade standard and always strives to do the very best he can.’

Michael acknowledged the part his tutor played in his success in competitions. ‘If it wasn’t for Bruce, there’s no way I would have come this far,’ he said.

The other competitors are listed below – each also had to compete at local and regional finals before going through to the national competition. North West Kent College took 3rd place, and Mr Kerney believes this proves that the effort Kent further education colleges have made to stage regional Skillbuild competitions over the past 3 years has now paid off.

K College Head of Construction, Mike Stanley, said: ‘in the 33 years that I have been involved in training, one thing has remained a constant, the value of apprenticeships. Some governments have tried to introduce new ideas, but there is always a return to employers recognising how important apprenticeships are to them. What could be more valuable to a business and its future success than employing an apprentice who is officially the best in the country!

‘We at K College see the importance of spotting, encouraging and stretching talented individuals. Michael is clearly a talented individual who has benefitted from the support and help provided by the staff here at the college, we hope and expect to see him competing on a world stage in the future.’

Michael Chalmers is now waiting to hear if he will be invited to compete in the WorldSkills competition taking place in London next month.