A first-year apprentice painter and decorator from Drumchapel, Ricky Booth has been named First Year Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year at Glasgow Clyde College’s 2025 Faculty of Future Technologies and Design Prize Giving.

Ricky, who joined Persimmon Homes West Scotland in August last year, received the honour in recognition of his exceptional progress and performance both in the classroom and on site.

Since beginning his four-year SVQ Level 6 apprenticeship, Ricky has impressed with his dedication, craftsmanship, and professionalism. He has already won a series of internal college competitions and represented Glasgow Clyde College at national level – including the prestigious Painting and Decorating Association Apprentice of the Year competition.

Commenting on his award, Ricky said: “I’m really proud to have won this award and want to thank Glasgow Clyde College and Persimmon for their support.

“Getting the chance to work on live sites and take part in national competitions has helped build my confidence and skills – I’m excited to keep learning and see where this career takes me.”

Ricky is Persimmon’s first-ever apprentice at Glasgow Clyde College, and was supported into the industry through the company’s apprenticeship programme, which provided tools and equipment to help him get started without financial barriers.

William Smith, regional apprenticeship manager at Persimmon Homes, added: “Ricky’s made an outstanding start to his career. His attitude, work ethic and natural ability have stood out from day one. He’s gone above and beyond in college and on site – and this award is richly deserved.”

Meanwhile, Casey Gardner, a rising star in painting and decorating with Persimmon Homes, took the top spot at the Scottish Association of Painting Craft Teachers annual competition, held at Glasgow Clyde College’s Anniesland campus on 12 June.

The national event saw apprentices from across Scotland go head-to-head in a live skills challenge, testing their precision, creativity, and craftsmanship. Despite having only 10 months’ experience, Casey was entered into the Advanced category, competing against apprentices with three or more years in the trade.

Representing Fife College, Casey’s exceptional performance secured her the top spot in a fiercely contested field, marking the second time she has claimed first place in a Scotland-wide painting and decorating competition in less than six months.

As part of her prize, Casey received a professional brush set, specialist painting equipment, and a day’s advanced spray-painting training, helping her continue to sharpen her already standout skills.

Casey Gardner said: “When I found out I’d been entered into the Advanced category, I knew it would be a real challenge—but I was determined to give it everything. Winning means the world to me. I’ve had fantastic support from my tutors and the team at Persimmon, and this has just made me more excited than ever about my future in the trade.”

Ian MacPherson, regional apprenticeship manager at Persimmon Homes, said: “Casey has absolutely earned this. Her work ethic, attitude, and attention to detail are well beyond her experience level. She took on the best in Scotland and came out on top—she’s a real credit to herself, Fife College and Persimmon.”

Graham Green, painting & decorating trainer assessor at Fife College, added: “Casey is an outstanding talent. From the moment she arrived, she’s shown real passion and drive to improve. To take the top spot in the Advanced category so early in her career speaks volumes about her potential, this is just the beginning for her.”