The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is calling on apprentices in the trade to submit their competition entry forms this National Apprenticeship Week.
Each year, the Association hosts two contests designed to offer apprentices the opportunity to compete on a national level, network with their peers and build their confidence.
Apprentices consider the competitions to be a highly valuable experience, with employers also recognising the benefits of apprentices competing nationally.
The PDA’s Apprentice of the Year 2025 kicks off in March, with top scorers in regional heats going through to a Grand Final stage in May and winners announced at the Association’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards in July.
Entries will close on Friday 21 February.
The Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition is scheduled for June and will take place in Doncaster, with a presentation to winners forming part of the PDA’s annual Networking Event Gala Dinner, held in the autumn.
Entries are open until 25 April.
PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie said:
“National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to remind apprentices in the trade that now is the time to get their entry forms submitted.
“Taking part in the competitions can be a game-changing boost for apprentices and the feedback we receive demonstrates that those who take part feel more confident in their skillset, can identify areas for improvement and make connections that help them in their future careers.
“There are all kinds of unexpected benefits that can result from taking part in the competitions – in 2024 some of our competition winners were invited to Slovenia, where they worked alongside their peers from across Europe to revamp an elementary school.
“We’re urging apprentices from across the UK to get their entries in before the competition deadlines and showcase their skills on a national level.”
The PDA represents painting and decorating businesses of all types from sole traders through to large scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.
With a proud history and a long-standing legacy of promoting high standards and best practice, the PDA requires its Members to be insured and appropriately trained as well as committing to a Code of Conduct that includes providing quality work at a reasonable price.
For membership information, or to apply to join the PDA, click here >