Shelby Fitzakerly is a Painting & Decorating apprentice from Accrington, Lancashire.
Studying for her A Levels, Shelby wasn’t sure University was the right route for her and after accompanying her dad a stonemason to work, she had the opportunity to get involved with the decorating team and instantly fell in love with it. That moment inspired her to pursue an apprenticeship, and she combines classroom study at Accrington and Rossendale College with four days a week of hands-on training at SPAIN Building and Maintenance.
“With an apprenticeship, you get college support and real experience on the job. You’re learning and doing the job every day, it’s hard to beat” explains Shelby.
Taking part in skills competitions has helped Shelby develop new techniques, build her confidence and enhance the skills she uses every day in the workplace.
“It teaches you to work efficiently under pressure, adapt to new challenges and use products and materials you may never have encountered before. Those experiences have made me more productive, confident and effective in my job” says Shelby.
Shelby also believes skills competitions play an important role in raising awareness of the wide range of career opportunities available to young people. As one of only two female tradespeople at SPAIN Building and Maintenance, she is passionate about showcasing the opportunities that exist for women in the construction industry and would love to see more young women considering a career in the trades.
Shelby’s training for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 has seen her train with her Training Manager Mike Swan in Scotland and across the world. She was awarded a Medallion for Excellence at EuroSkills Herning in 2025 and most recently won the Bronze Award at the Taipei Capital Cup. Shelby said that competing against some of the most talented young professionals from around the world was an incredible experience and a great opportunity to push herself to a higher standard in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
When her apprenticeship ends, she plans to continue working at SPAIN Building and Maintenance, build up her experience and client base, and eventually start her own business.
To other students considering WorldSkills UK competitions, Shelby’s advice is simple: “Definitely go for it. It expands your skill set beyond your trade and helps you grow as a person.”
