March 5, 2026
UK-wide search for top painting and decorating apprentice goes to Belfast
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) has hosted a competition event for apprentices in Northern Ireland for the first time.
The event saw apprentices put their skills to the test and top scorers will battle it out in a Grand Final round in England, with those awarded the PDA Apprentice of the Year title receiving their prizes at the 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 a chance 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.
“For the first time this year, the PDA hosted a competition event in Northern Ireland, and we were impressed with the calibre of apprentices who showcased what they have learned as they work towards a career in colour.
“The top scoring junior and senior apprentices will be invited to travel to Doncaster in Yorkshire for the Grand Final and if they make it through to the top three, will have the option to be a part of our flagship event of the year, the Premier Trophy Awards.”
During the competition event, held at Workforce Training Services, 11 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.
They join dozens of apprentices who will compete at regional heats in Glasgow, Merthyr Tydfil, Plymouth, Birmingham and Preston ahead of the Grand Final in June.
Charlie Montgomery from Carrickfergus returned in the Senior Plus category, having been the first entrant from Northern Ireland to participate in the competition, travelling to Birmingham as a Junior in 2023 and again as a Senior last year.
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 while National Sales and Development Manager at Brewers, David Hope, also travelled to Belfast to meet the apprentices.
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 said: “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 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
