Apprentices recognised by national trade body

Awards for Apprentices at PDA Gala Dinner 

Apprentices have been recognised for their wallpaper hanging skills at a Gala Dinner hosted by national trade body, the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA). 

Held as part of the PDA’s annual networking event, the Gala Dinner included a presentation ceremony for winners of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition. 

Three entrants from Inverness, one from Kent and one from London were selected out of 18 apprentices from across the UK, who competed at The Hub in Doncaster in June. 

Judged by PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie and PDA board member, Stuart Yates, the Paperhanger competition tasked apprentices with a gruelling six-hour challenge designed to test their precision, timing and skill. 

Neil was joined by Dave Hope, from competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres, to present the awards at the Gala Dinner held at the Liverpool Hilton Hotel. 

Senior Winner of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year 2021 was Kimberley McIntyre of McIntyre Painting and Decorating Services, who attends Inverness College UHI. 

Senior runner-up was Francesca Fordham who attends North Kent College and works at Axis Europe. 

Two more Inverness students took the Junior category, with Euan McLean who works at Hendersons Ltd, named winner and Junior runner-up going to Rebecca Mackinnon, an apprentice at Neil Mackay & Co Ltd. 

George Lane of Bagnalls was presented with a Judges Achievement and Commendation in the Senior category. 

Neil said: “Our Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition offers apprentices the chance to share their experiences, demonstrate their skills and network with their peers. 

“The competition is sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres and it is their generous and continued support that allows us to host this vital opportunity for people entering the industry. 

“These young people have demonstrated a commitment to their craft, an eye for detail and a quality application of the skills they have been learning as part of their apprenticeships. 

“They are a credit to their employers and to their centres of learning, and I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate their success at the PDA’s annual Gala Dinner.”