Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year

To encourage excellence from the start of their careers, apprentice decorators get the chance to showcase their skills at the annual Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.

Apprentices who feel they’ve mastered the techniques required to tackle a six-hour wallpapering challenge can sign up for the chance to win a selection of fantastic prizes supplied by competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres. All UK registered apprentices can enter the competition.

Entrants’ accommodation and evening meal the night prior to the competition will be provided by the PDA. The apprentice awards are presented during our national Networking Event and Gala Dinner.

APOTY Competition Sponsor

In 2024, apprentices gathered at The Hub in Doncaster to test their nerve and skill. Five of them were awarded during the PDA Gala Dinner, held at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre in October.

• Senior Winner: Holly Duffy
  Company: Spain Building and Maintenance Ltd
  College: Accrington and Rossendale College

• Senior Runner-up: Sam Farnworth
  Company: Bryan Lee Building Contractors Ltd
  College: Accrington & Rossendale College

• Junior Winner: Tyler Fletcher
  Company: Hirst Decorators Ltd
  College: Doncaster College

• Junior Runner-up: Henry Hart
  Company: Henry Hart & Son
  College: Doncaster College

• CEO Recognition & Achievement Award: Isobel Colleran
  Company: FSH Group Ltd
  College: Leeds College of Building