The UK’s largest trade body dedicated to the painting and decorating sector is broadening opportunities for apprentices in the trade by hosting a dynamic Skills Hub at the new-look Painting & Decorating Show in June.
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) will give visitors to the show a ‘live action’ glimpse into the time, effort and precision demanded of entrants to its annual apprentice competitions, with painting and decorating challenges taking place on each day of the show.
Apprentices will choose from a selection of drawings used in this year’s competition – all designed to test their stamina, accuracy and ability – which they’ll map out, scale up and precisely paint in full view of visitors to the event.
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said: “We have four apprentices who will demonstrate the level of work they are expected to produce under competition conditions, illustrating their ability to paint under pressure and complete a complex challenge within a set time limit.
“Our Apprentice of the Year competition has grown from strength to strength and this year, for the first time, we held regional heats in all four home nations of the UK.
“We’re proud to be offering apprentices a further opportunity to showcase their work at the UK’s largest trade show for the sector and to give visitors a chance to see the type of challenge those starting out in a Career in Colour take on when they make a bid to be named Apprentice of the Year.”
Held at the NEC alongside the InstallerSHOW for the first time, the Painting & Decorating Show is a free event which will bring together trusted brands, straight-talk seminars and the latest products all under one roof.
David Ventris-Field, Event Director of Painting & Decorating Show and InstallerSHOW said: “The PDA Skills Hub will be 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 allows us to create even greater opportunities for apprentices, manufacturers, contractors and tradespeople to connect, learn and celebrate the future of the industry.
“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 will be on Stand G34 at the show and will be offering a 20 per cent discount on annual membership fees to painters and decorators who apply to join, or renew their membership, at the event.
To find out more about the PDA, or to apply for membership, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk