The UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector has dropped anchor in Plymouth in order 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 cross the region and 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 City College Plymouth, will secure a place in the Grand Final, with winners invited to 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 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 Plymouth. They showcased what they have learned as they work towards a career in colour.”
During the competition event 12 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.
Jake Daniels, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction Trades at City College Plymouth said: “I believe these competitions are really important for apprentices, it helps with time keeping, working under pressure, meeting new people and networking.
“It also gets their name out into the outside world – people can actually see how good they are and what they’re learning here.
“Taking part gives them real world experience, helps with their confidence and is a brilliant thing for their CV.
“It’s the first time we’ve hosted this competition. We’ve gone to a lot of competitions over the years and it’s a real privilege to host one ourselves.”
Contestants at Plymouth join dozens of apprentices competing at regional heats held in Belfast, Glasgow, Merthyr Tydfil, Birmingham and Preston ahead of the Grand Final at Doncaster which takes place in June.
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 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.
“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
