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LORNA DYCE NPA CONSTRUCTION (PAINTING AND DECORATING)
L
orna is a truly committed student who has successfully overcome numerous obstacles to secure her dream career as a painter and decorator. A mature student, Lorna joined the college in 2011 to complete a National Progression Award (NPA) in painting and decorating. Her ambition was to secure an apprenticeship and learn a trade, enabling her to leave her job as a cleaner and eventually become a selfemployed painter and decorator. At the time, Lorna was 30 years of age, and despite being named NPA student of the year, she struggled to gain an apprenticeship. Not one for giving up, Lorna persevered with her search, and in September 2013 she finally commenced an apprenticeship with a local Inverness firm. She continued her college training on block release, whilst also being employed as a painter and decorator. Lorna excelled in this role and was named apprentice of the year following the successful completion of her first year. Faced with redundancy, Lorna progressed her search for work, continuing to attend college to ensure she didn’t fall behind with her studies. After seven months she was successful in securing a trial with another local painting and decorating contractor. Lorna quickly proved her worth and she secured a permanent position allowing her to continue her apprenticeship.