Four apprentices have completed a three-day challenge at the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Skills Hub as part of the Painting and Decorating Show at the NEC.
The PDA invited four apprentices, all of whom have competed in its Apprentice of the Year competition, to replicate specifications from the contest in front of a live audience at the show.
Courtney Irwin and Joe Deas from Alfred Bagnall and Sons Ltd, Charlie Montgomery from MCN Painting Contracts Ltd and Romilly Oliver from Scott Oliver Decorating took part in the Skills Hub, recreating their work for delegates at the event.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said: “Under competition conditions, apprentices are in a closed space where they take on a time-limited challenge to scale-up and map out a complex design, which requires precise freehand cutting in and specific decorative effects.
“At the Painting and Decorating Show, they were presented with the same task, but in an environment where visitors were able to see their progress and engage with them.
“It was fantastic to see them chatting to visitors about the techniques they were using, their preferred products and the PDA Apprentice of the Year competition.
“They did themselves, their employers and colleges and the PDA proud, and we look forward to seeing them progress in their Careers in Colour.”
The Painting and Decorating Show took place at the NEC on 23, 24 and 25 June as part of InstallerSHOW.
David Ventris-Field, Event Director of Painting & Decorating Show and InstallerSHOW said: “We’re proud to be working with the PDA to showcase the talent coming through the sector and to help inspire more people to consider a Career in Colour.
“The PDA Skills Hub was a real highlight of this year’s Painting & Decorating Show, giving visitors the chance to see first-hand the incredible skill, precision and professionalism being developed by the next generation of painters and decorators.
“Bringing the show to the NEC alongside InstallerSHOW allowed us to create even greater opportunities for apprentices, manufacturers, contractors and tradespeople to connect, learn and celebrate the future of the industry.”
To find out more about the PDA, or to apply for membership, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
