Apprentices honing their craft have been recognised alongside a stalwart of the trade at a Gala Dinner hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
Finalists in the PDA’s nationwide Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition were invited to an awards ceremony as part of the Association’s annual Networking Event and Gala Dinner, held at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire.
A special recognition award was also presented to long-serving PDA stalwart Bob Smith, who has been involved in the Association since 1970.
The PDA’s Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year 2025 saw apprentices from across the UK take part in a day-long challenge at Doncaster College, which involved a wallpapering task designed to test their precision, stamina and skill.
Tyler said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Paperhanger competition for the second time.
“When my lecturer Glen Galbraith approached me about entering again, I was initially anxious about the challenge, but I quickly remembered how much fun I had the previous year and the great people I met.
“This years’ experience lived up to every expectation and I’m truly thankful to Glen for sharing his knowledge and experience.
“His guidance gave me the confidence to perform under pressure and really enjoy the moment.”
Senior runner-up was Romilly Oliver, apprentice at Scott Oliver Decorating and studying online with MT Training.
The Junior Winner was Lauren Burnett, apprentice at Craig Smillie Painting and Decorating and student at Forth Valley College.
Lauren said: “I participated in the competition with a view of gaining experience and knowing what to expect next time round as the calibre of competitors was high and I did not think I would win.
“I was amazed to find out I made it as a finalist and ecstatic to find out that I had won the category. The competition was stressful, but I enjoyed it. This has opened my eyes to the possibilities in the future.”
Runner-up in the Juniors was Jazzmin Smith, of D&D Decorating and Hull Training and Adult Education.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie also presented the Chief Executive Achievement and Recognition Award to Mia Williams, an apprentice at Ian Williams Limited, studying at Riverside College, Widnes.
Neil Ogilvie said: “Congratulations to all the apprentices who have been recognised for their achievements at this award ceremony.
“The winners and runners-up can be proud of getting the very top scores out of all the entrants in their categories, while the Chief Executive Achievement and Recognition Award is presented to someone who stands out during the competition event for their perseverance and professionalism.
“The Gala Dinner is a fantastic event and we’re proud to celebrate the work of apprentices in our sector who are learning and refining their skills in the trade.
“It was also an opportunity to give thanks and celebrate Bob Smith, who has been a long-standing stalwart of the Association at a local, regional and national level.”
Having started his career in 1956 by joining the family business established by his father and uncle and part of the National Federation of Master Painters since 1949, Bob Smith attended his first meeting of the Leeds NFMP branch in 1970.
He went on to join North East Regional meetings, holding various roles at local and regional level over the next decade, through the change of name to the British Decorators Association in 1972, becoming branch secretary in 1980 and being elected to the National Executive Committee in 1983.
In 1990, Bob changed roles at local level to become the branch treasurer, a post he held until 2006.
A merger of the BDA and the Painting and Decorating Federation saw the formation of the PDA in 2002. Bob became honorary treasurer of the North East Region in 2003, a role he continued in until 2020.
In 2010, Bob was elected honorary treasurer of the PDA. He stepped back in October 2011 but resumed the role in 2015 until 2021, taking up the role again in June 2023 and finally retiring in March 2025.
Neil Ogilvie added: “For 55 years, Bob has been a dedicated and stalwart supporter of the PDA as an organisation that provides a collective voice for the trade, sets standards for quality work and supports painting and decorating businesses of all sizes across the UK.
“His contribution to the PDA has been exceptional and it is an honour to present him with an award recognising his many achievements.”
For more about the PDA and details of how to apply to join, visit: Painting and Decorating Association (PDA)