Shelby Fitzakerly is a Painting & Decorating apprentice from Accrington, Lancashire, and has been selected to represent the UK in Painting & Decorating at EuroSkills Herning 2025.
She combines classroom study at Accrington and Rossendale College with four days a week of hands-on training at SPAIN Building and Maintenance. This balance of learning and real-world experience has given her a solid foundation in her trade and the confidence to take her skills to the next level.
Shelby’s interest in painting and decorating began when she accompanied her dad, a stonemason, to work. While there, 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, which she describes as the perfect mix of learning and earning: “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.”
In 2023 and 2024, Shelby entered the SkillBuild competitions, which opened the door to something much bigger—joining Squad UK. She has now been selected to represent Team UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark. “Being selected is amazing—I never thought this opportunity would happen to me. It’s just incredible to be part of something like this.”
Her friends, family, college, and employer have all been hugely supportive. “My family are so proud and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. SPAIN Building and Maintenance have been brilliant—giving me time off for training while still paying me. I travel to Scotland once a month for a full week of training with my Training Manager, Mike Swan, and I take everything I learn back into college, work, and even at home.”
Taking part in skills competitions has helped Shelby develop new techniques and grow in confidence. “It teaches you to be time-effective, adaptable, and to work with products you might never have used before. That’s made me more productive and efficient at work.” 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.
Shelby is most excited about the chance to travel, compete, and represent the UK on a European stage. “It’s such a brilliant experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing how I perform and learning from it. I hope to be selected for Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026.”
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.”
Follow Shelby’s journey @WorldSkills UK
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Find out how the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab can support apprentices and learners.
