THE COUNTDOWN is on for apprentices from across the country to brush up on their skills and enter a prestigious national painting and decorating contest.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (3rd-7th February), the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is urging apprentices from across the UK to enter the Premier Trophy Awards Apprentice Competition 2020 and showcase their skills at the highest level.
The competition is open to any apprentice currently undergoing recognised training and will test their quality of workmanship, organisational skills and understanding of best practice within the trade, as well as Health and Safety knowledge.
Entrants will be put through their paces at two heats, which will be held at Accrington and Rossendale College on 1st May and Bournemouth and Poole College on 15th May, 2020.
Chief Executive of the PDA, Neil Ogilvie, along with a representative from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers, will judge the competition.
Neil said: “Apprentices are the future of our industry and this is a great platform for new talent to take centre stage.
“This is a complicated contest, one where students go head-to-head, testing their nerves, precision and skill.
“They have to be able to perform under pressure and it can be quite daunting, but I think it is a great opportunity for students to experience a real-life environment.
“Apprentices get to grips with the demands of the job, including the importance of time management and working alongside others, as well as seeing people assess the quality of their work.”
The winner of the competition will be announced at the PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards, at the Plaisterers’ Hall, London, on Thursday, 2nd July. They will receive a trophy, framed certificate and prizes, while two runners-up will receive certificates and prizes.
Closing date for entries to the Premier Trophy Awards is Friday, 21st February.
For more information about the Premier Trophy Awards 2020 Apprentice competition, visit www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
