City Hosts Apprentice of the Year Scottish Heats

The City of Glasgow College proudly hosted the Scottish round of the Apprentice of the Year competition, organised by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA). A record-breaking 24 apprentices participated in this event, including two City entries in this heat showcasing their skills and creativity. 

This marks the 35th year of the PDA hosting this esteemed contest, with winners set to be announced at the glittering Premier Trophy Awards ceremony in London's Plaisterers' Hall in July. 

Judged by Neil Ogilvie, the PDA Chief Executive, and Andrew Davis of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT), the competition saw both junior and senior apprentices excelling in their craft, networking with peers, and leaving their mark on blank boards transformed into intricate images in just six hours. Neil Ogilvie expressed: 

‘2024 is a landmark year for the PDA which celebrates 35 years of the Premier Trophy Awards and Apprentice of the Year competition, as well as the 130th anniversary of the Association itself. The competition event at City of Glasgow College was an excellent day, with both junior and senior apprentices really demonstrating their skills as well as taking the opportunity to network with their peers.  Apprentices really value this experience, which is sponsored by Purdy Professional Painting Tools and supported by Dulux Trade. With just six hours to transform a large blank board into a copy of a complex image designed to test their precision, stamina and skill, the competition has become a proving ground for young people embarking on a career in colour.’ 

The competition at City of Glasgow College is just one of four regional heats, with others held at North Kent College, South City College Birmingham, and Accrington and Rossendale College. These regional events lead up to the Grand Final at Doncaster College and University Centre in June. Michael McEwan, a lecturer at City of Glasgow College, stated:  

‘It is great to see so many talented students taking part in this type of competition. It’s so important to the industry as it showcases the talent that is coming through and the work we do in the Colleges as well.’