Top-scoring painting and decorating apprentices from across the UK have battled it out for the title of Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Apprentice of the Year 2026.
The highest scorers at regional heats held in Belfast, Glasgow, Merthyr Tydfil, Birmingham, Plymouth and Preston all travelled to Doncaster for the Grand Final of the competition.
A total of 92 apprentices took part overall, with 17 from Alloa, Belfast, Beverly, Bolton, Bristol, Bromsgrove, Carrickfergus, Doncaster, Glasgow, Hamilton, Leeds, Plymouth, Poole, Pudsey, Selby and Southamptongoing through to the final.
Each stage of the competition involves a gruelling six-hour challenge incorporating intricate designs that require precise setting out and scaling up of detailed drawings.
Apprentices are then tasked with using a range of techniques including freehand cutting in of curves, circles and straight lines, making and applying a stencil and creating broken colour effects such as rag-rolling and sponging.
Andrew Davis of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers is competition judge alongside PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie.
Neil said: “2026 has been a landmark year for our Apprentice of the Year competition.
“We’ve held a regional heat in Belfast for the first time, ensuring that the opportunity to take part is extended to apprentices in all home nations across the UK.
“The calibre of work the apprentices have completed throughout has been outstanding and we have been impressed by the talent, professionalism and skill on display.
“So many of these apprentices return year after year in a bid to claim the title and it is fantastic to see them grow in confidence and develop the abilities and attributes required for a career in colour.”
The competition is sponsored by Purdy Professional Painting Tools, and each participant was presented with a set of Purdy paint brushes.
Glen Galbraith, tutor at Doncaster College, said: “The PDA competition is a great opportunity for apprentices.
“It boosts their confidence and gives them a chance to hone their skills while meeting fellow apprentices from all around the country.
“We’re proud to be hosting the Grand Final and it’s nice to see new students joining in and previous entrants returning to put themselves to the test again.”
Winners and runners-up in Junior, Senior and Senior + categories will be invited to receive their prizes as part of the PDA’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards ceremony held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London in July.
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.
To find out more about the PDA, or to apply for membership, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
