Fife apprentice brushes aside the competition to win national title

Casey Gardner crowned top painter at Scottish Association of Painting Craft Teachers competition in Glasgow.

Casey Gardner, a rising star in painting and decorating with Persimmon Homes, has taken 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 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, added “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, commented “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.”

Casey began her apprenticeship with Persimmon Homes North Scotland in August 2024 and is currently working across sites in Fife. Her success adds another splash of inspiration for young women considering a career in construction, with Persimmon continuing to champion apprenticeships that develop future talent across Scotland.

To learn more about apprenticeships and careers at Persimmon, visit the website.