Double celebration as apprentices achieve award aims

Two apprentices at Accrington and Rossendale College have been recognised for the highest scores in a national wallpapering contest, one year after almost reaching the top two.

Holly Duffy and Sam Farnworth were invited to the annual Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Networking Gala Dinner, held in Liverpool, after taking the top spots in the senior category of the trade body’s PDA’s Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.

Holly, an apprentice at Spain Building and Maintenance Ltd, was the Senior Winner of the contest, with Sam, of Bryan Lee Building Contractors Ltd named Senior Runner-up.

The pair were presented with certificates and cash prizes at the PDA Gala Dinner by David Hope, National Sales and Development Manager and Joanne Lathan, Regional Manager North, at competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres and PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie.

Neil said: “The competition days are a significant challenge for Painting and Decorating apprentices, requiring intense concentration and a steady hand while under an intense time pressure.

“Holly and Sam both took part last year, were both recognised for their efforts and were equally determined to return in 2024 and improve on their scores.

“I am delighted that they have both achieved their ambitions and the hard work and skill they have shown is acknowledged by these accolades.

“Their story demonstrates the value of competitions like this for apprentices and our thanks go to Brewers Decorator Centres, the sole sponsor of our Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.”

The PDA contest took place at Doncaster College in June, with 18 apprentices from across the UK tasked with a decorating a mock room – including features such as windows and fireplaces – with decorative wallpapers requiring specialist measuring formulas and precision cutting and pattern-matching.

In 2023, Holly and Sam both took part, with Holly receiving the CEO Special Recognition Award and Sam placing third in the Senior category.

Holly said: “I came last year and didn’t make it to where I wanted. I received an award but didn’t place in the competition, so I did it again and managed to win, so I’m really pleased.

“To get the CEO recognition award last year showed that my work had been noticed and gave me the push to come back and try again.

“I want to say congratulations to Sam – we’re mates and it’s great that we both got the top scores in the Senior category. Also massive thanks to Simon Whittaker, my tutor, who encouraged me to take part in the competition and also to the PDA for hosting it.”

Sam added: “I said last year I wanted to improve my scores and that’s exactly what I did.

“Me and Holly are mates and although I wanted to win, I’m really pleased for her that she’s done so well.”

The PDA is Britain’s largest trade body dedicated to the sector and represents painting and decorating businesses of all types from sole traders through to large scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.

With a proud history spanning 130 years, and a long-standing legacy of promoting high standards and best practice, the PDA requires its members to be insured and appropriately trained as well as committing to a Code of Conduct that includes providing quality work at a reasonable price.

For more about PDA events and competitions, or to find a decorator near you, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk