Top UK Painting and Decorating Apprentices Compete in Doncaster Final 2026

Top painting and decorating apprentices from across the UK recently showcased their skills at the Grand Final of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Apprentice of the Year 2026 in Doncaster. This exciting event brought together the very best talent in the industry, with participants eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.

Competition Overview

The competition saw a total of 92 apprentices competing at various regional heats in cities such as Belfast, Glasgow, Merthyr Tydfil, Birmingham, Plymouth, and Preston. From these heats, 17 talented finalists made their way to Doncaster to vie for the prestigious title. The finalists hailed from locations including:

• Alloa
• Belfast
• Beverly
• Bolton
• Bristol
• Bromsgrove
• Carrickfergus
• Doncaster
• Glasgow
• Hamilton
• Leeds
• Plymouth
• Poole
• Pudsey
• Selby
• Southampton

Skills on Display

Each stage of the competition was a rigorous six-hour challenge that required participants to demonstrate their skills through intricate designs. The tasks included precise setting out and scaling up of detailed drawings. Apprentices were required to use various techniques, such as:

• Freehand cutting-in of curves, circles, and straight lines
• Making and applying stencils
• Creating broken colour effects like rag-rolling and sponging

The competition not only tests the apprentices' technical abilities but also their creativity and attention to detail, essential qualities for a successful career in painting and decorating.

Judging and Feedback

Judging the competition were Andrew Davis from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers and Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the PDA. Neil shared his excitement about this year's event, stating, “2026 has been a landmark year for our Apprentice of the Year competition. We’ve held a regional heat in Belfast for the first time, ensuring that the opportunity to take part is extended to apprentices in all home nations across the UK.”

He also praised the high standard of work, saying, “The calibre of work the apprentices have completed throughout has been outstanding. It is fantastic to see them grow in confidence and develop the abilities and attributes required for a career in colour.”

Support and Sponsorship

The competition was sponsored by Purdy Professional Painting Tools, which provided each participant with a set of high-quality paintbrushes. Glen Galbraith, a tutor at Doncaster College, highlighted the importance of the PDA competition for apprentices, stating, “It boosts their confidence and gives them a chance to hone their skills while meeting fellow apprentices from all around the country.”

Brewers Decorator Centres also played a significant role by supplying paint and materials for the contest and providing goody bags for all participants. This support not only aids the competition but also encourages apprentices to explore their potential in the field.

A Bright Future

The winners and runners-up in the Junior, Senior, and Senior + categories will be celebrated at the PDA’s flagship Premier Trophy Awards ceremony, which will take place at Plaisterers’ Hall in London in July. This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for the top apprentices to gain recognition for their hard work and dedication.

As the competition comes to a close, the anticipation for the results grows. For those interested in learning more about the Painting and Decorating Association or considering membership, further information can be found on their official website.