Coventry College to host major national competition
Coventry College will host the Midlands leg of a major national competition designed to showcase the best emerging talents from an in-demand profession.
The annual Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) Apprentice of the Year competition will head to Coventry College this year to give trainees throughout the Midlands the opportunity to test their skills against their peers – and claim a national prize.
The Apprentice of the Year competition features a six-hour contest where competitors are tasked with replicating a design brief, testing their accuracy and skill as well as their ability to perform under pressure. The Midlands heat will be held at Coventry College on Thursday, April 7.
Those who progress will join other finalists from northern and southern heats at the Premier Trophy Awards Ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall, London on Thursday, July 7, where the national winner will be announced.
A grand prize will be given to the winner, with two runners up prizes and multiple tools and gifts handed out to all participants.
Charlotte Bench, Sector Engagement Officer at Coventry College, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of three colleges nationwide to host the regional heats of this competition, as it is a testament to our industry connections and high standards in apprenticeship education.
“I’d like to wish all applicants the best of luck ahead of the competition, and we will be keeping a close eye on our own students who have a great chance of going all the way and competing with other talented apprentices for the national prize.”
The competition was launched by the PDA to encourage people to consider a career in the painting and decorating industry and showcase the opportunities available to young people and those looking for a change of career throughout the UK.
According to the Construction Industry Training Board’s Construction Skills Network, an estimated 1,580 new painters and decorators are needed every year (up to 2022) to meet increasing demand.
Neil Ogilvie, chief executive at the Painting and Decorating Association, said: “The competitions give apprentices the chance to meet with their peers, and the Premier Trophy Awards is our flagship event, where it is always a pleasure to see young people starting out in the trade receive some recognition for their efforts.”
Entry for the 2022 edition of the awards is open. Applicants must complete and submit an application form for the regional heats by Friday, February 11.
For more information and to apply, visit the PDA website.
