Apprentice of the Year competition

According to the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Construction Skills Network, there’s substantial demand for painters and decorators.

We are urging people looking at their career options to consider a role in the industry and have a range of support for apprentices, including the Apprentice of the Year, and the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year contests.

The PDA Apprentice of the Year competition offers trainees from across the UK the opportunity to test their 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 contest has grown significantly over the last decade, from a single day event to encompassing four 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.

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

In 2023 we had higher-than-expected competitor numbers from across the UK. The competition was held in four College Centres, concluding with a Grand Final:

• Northern heat was held at Accrington & Rossendale College
• Scottish heat was held at City of Glasgow College
• Midlands heat was held at South and City College Birmingham
• Southern heat was held at North Kent College
• Competition Final was held at Doncaster College

Congratulations and well done to these competitors!