A national search for the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Apprentice of the Year has come to Preston College for the first time.
The UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector put apprentices from across the North West through their paces at one of six regional heats held across the country.
A total of 20 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.
Top scorers on the day will go through to the Grand Final in June and be in with a chance of taking the PDA Apprentice of the Year 2026 title.
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 an 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 Preston. They showcased what they have learned as they work towards a career in colour.”
Contestants at Preston join dozens of apprentices competing at regional heats held in Belfast, Glasgow, Merthyr Tydfil, Birmingham and Plymouth ahead of the Grand Final which takes place in Doncaster.
Winners are announced at the PDA’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards in July.
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.
Phil Burgess, Curriculum Leader at Preston College said: “We’re members of the PDA and I’ve worked with them for many years, so we were delighted to host the Apprentice of the Year competition at Preston College for the first time.
“The competition is really challenging, the specification that they work to requires a lot of measuring and demands a variety of skills and techniques, so there’s a lot to do in a relatively short timeframe.
“By taking part, they are showing their commitment to the industry and taking the opportunity to demonstrate the skill level that they have achieved.”
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 added: “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 in July.
“It’s a truly special occasion for the apprentice painters and decorators who get through 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
