Apprentices take centre stage
Top-scoring entrants in the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) nationwide Apprentice of the Year competition were recently invited to attend the glittering event at Plaisterers’ Hall, London.
Awards were presented to winners and runners-up in the Junior and Senior categories, with an additional presentation of the CEO Recognition and Achievement Award.
The PDA hosted five regional competition heats across England, Scotland and – for the first time – Wales, with 16 top scorers going through to the Grand Final in Doncaster.
Both stages of the competition involve a six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, stamina and skill in scaling up, measuring out and precisely painting a complex design within the time given.
The title of Senior Apprentice of the Year 2025 went to Owen Sheldon, of Bagnalls, who studies at Leeds College of Building. Owen placed second in the Junior category last year and returned this year determined to take the top spot.
Owen said: “I was speechless. It was genuinely amazing. The amount of pride I felt in myself, my tutors, my company – I can’t thank everyone enough for what they’ve done for me.”
In second place was Olivia Williams of Chesman Decorators who attends Doncaster College and third was Lillie Saunders, a student at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus, which hosted the first ever Welsh regional heat.
The Junior Apprentice of the Year 2025 was Joe Deas of Bagnalls who attends Newcastle College, with Bagnalls colleague Faith Loynes, a student at Leeds College of Building taking second place.
Joe said: “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m so proud of myself and I would definitely encourage other apprentices to take part in this competition.”
Nathan Alexander of Robert Wilson & Son Painting Contractors, who attends South Lanarkshire College, took third place in the Junior section.
The CEO Recognition and Achievement Award was presented to Emily Roberts of Bagnalls who attends York College.
Neil Ogilvie added: “The PDA’s Apprentice of the Year competition is a demanding but ultimately rewarding experience for people learning the skills required for a career in colour.
“More than 80 entrants from across the UK took part and I heartily congratulate the winners and runners-up on the outstanding work that is recognised with these awards.”
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