The UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector has returned to Birmingham to put apprentices in the trade through their paces as part of a nationwide competition.
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) challenged apprentices to test their skills, stamina and creativity against their peers from across the Midlands to be in with a chance of winning the PDA Apprentice of the Year 2026 title.
Top scorers from the day-long competition event, held at South and City College Birmingham, will secure a place in a Grand Final.
Overall winners of the contest are revealed at the Association’s prestigious Premier Trophy Awards ceremony in London.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said: “Painting and decorating is a skilled craft, and our competition events are designed to test the precision, knowledge and flair of apprentices, as well as giving them the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and be in with a chance to take home the coveted title.
“Apprentices who have competed in the past regularly tell us that taking part in the contest boosts their confidence and encourages them to improve their skillset and map out a career plan.
“We were impressed with the calibre of apprentices who took part in the competition event in Birmingham who showcased what they have learned as they work towards a career in colour.”
During the competition event 10 apprentices faced a gruelling six-hour challenge to map out, scale up and precisely paint an intricate image designed to test their stamina and skill.
They join dozens of apprentices competing at regional heats held in Belfast, Merthyr Tydfil, Glasgow, Plymouth and Preston ahead of the Grand Final which will be held at Doncaster in June.
Ian Jeyes is Head of School for Construction at Longbridge for South and City College, Birmingham.
He said: “It’s such as delight to be able to host the PDA competition. It’s really good for the learners, it can build their confidence, is good for their CV and enhances their skills and development.”
Mark Morris, Lead Painting and Decorating lecturer and Deputy Head of School for Construction at Longbridge added: “We’ve been supporting the competition for several years now and it’s a really good opportunity for the apprentices to show their skills and network.
“They also demonstrate time management and how to cope with the pressure of having people judging their work as they are doing it. These are qualities that are highly sought after in the industry.”
The competition is sponsored by Purdy Professional Painting Tools, and each participant will receive a set of Purdy paint brushes.
As main sponsor of the PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards, Brewers Decorator Centres supplied paint and materials for the contest and provided a goody bag for all those taking part.
Judging – which assesses skill, accuracy and professionalism, was undertaken by Andrew Davis from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT) and PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie.
Neil said: “Overall winners will be invited to receive their prizes at PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards – a spectacular event held at the stunning Plaisterers’ Hall in London.
“It’s a truly special occasion for the apprentice painters and decorators who get to that stage and there is real value for them in being able to add PDA Apprentice of the Year 2026 to their CV.”
To find out more about the PDA visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
