Member Article

Gateshead College student motors ahead to paint a bright future

A former Gateshead College student is set to paint a bright future for herself in the automotive industry after being recognised for outstanding work by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI).

Twenty-one-year old Melissa Macdonald, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has achieved success after being named the runner-up in the Outstanding Technical Student in Paint category at the IMI’s 2013 awards ceremony held in Brickenden, Hertfordshire.

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry and every year hosts the outstanding achievers awards to celebrate and recognise talented work and achievement in vehicle body work painting among other automotive skills.

Melissa gained her Level 3 Paint and Body qualification at Gateshead College in July while balancing her studies with being a carer for her disabled father for the previous two years – a responsibility which saw her undertake a daily round trip of 140 miles between Berwick and Gateshead and achieve a near perfect attendance record (98%).

Melissa is now looking forward to continuing with her automotive passion, and transforming her training into a successful career, as she looks to secure her first full job in the industry.

Melissa’s achievement was even more impressive as this year’s IMI awards saw a record level of entries – 90,000. She was presented with her prize by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, automotive enthusiast and President of the RAC.

Melissa said: “It was great to be invited to the awards and to be given this award is just fantastic. It’s a real boost to my course at Gateshead College, which has definitely given me a head start as I look for a job in doing something I really enjoy working with vehicles.

“I would like to say thank you to my lecturers, who always had time for people like me as students. I would also like to thank friends and colleagues who have also been extremely encouraging and supportive throughout the course.”

During her time at Gateshead College, Melissa was also voted class representative by her other students, which saw her representing the Faculty of Paint and Body on the student council.

Brian Gibson, Level 3 Paint and Body lecturer at Gateshead College said: “Awards like these showcase students’ talents and skills as well as the hard work they put in to achieve success, sometimes, like Melissa, in difficult or testing circumstances.

“It’s good to see this is recognised beyond the college, among awarding bodies and prospective employers.

“Melissa was a model student during her time at Gateshead College. She was dedicated, enthusiastic and popular with her peers and should be very proud of what she’s achieved, particularly as she had to take care of her dad while completing her studies.”

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, who is patron for the IMI group, praised those who were nominated.

He said: “As patron of the IMI Group I would like to offer my personal congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard to earn this recognition. You reflect passion and dedication that is at the heart of the approved centre network, and you should all be extremely proud of your outstanding achievements.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cassie Moyse .