Apprentice of the Year

To promote excellence early in their careers, apprentice decorators are given the opportunity to demonstrate their painting skills in the annual Apprentice of the Year competition.

The competition offers apprentices from across the UK the opportunity to test their painting skills against their peers in a six-hour contest. Competitors are tasked with replicating a given design, testing not only their accuracy and skill, but their ability to perform under pressure.

The competition has grown significantly over the last decade, evolving from a single day event into five regional heats and a Grand Final.

A rising number of entrants prompted the move, as more and more apprentices, colleges and employers recognise the value of the competition experience for young people.

Any UK registered painting and decorating apprentice can enter for the chance to win a selection of fantastic prizes.

In 2025 the competition will be held in five College Centres, concluding with a Grand Final:

• Scottish Heat: City of Glasgow College – 13 March 2025
• Northern Heat: Accrington and Rossendale College – 27 March 2025
• Midlands Heat: South and City College Birmingham – 3 April 2025
• Southern Heat: North Kent College – 1 May 2025
• Welsh Heat: Coleg Llandrillo (Llandrillo College) – 15 May 2025
• Competition Final: DN Colleges Group, Doncaster College / University Centre – 29 May 2025

Overall winners and runners-up in Junior and Senior categories will be invited to receive their awards as part of our prestigious Premier Trophy Awards ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall, London on 3 July 2025.

AOTY 2024 Event Sponsors/Supporters

In 2024 the competition was held in four College Centres, concluding with a Grand Final:

Congratulations and well done to these competitors!