The popular competition attracted apprentices from across the UK, who battled it out in four regional heats at North Kent College, City of Glasgow College, South and City College Birmingham and Accrington and Rossendale College.

The highest Senior and Junior scorers from each heat were called on to showcase their skills again at a Grand Final held at Doncaster College this month.

PDA chief executive Neil Ogilvie emphasised the competition's rigorous nature, stating, “The events are meticulously designed to push apprentices to their limits, testing their precision, stamina, and skill, setting a high bar for the industry's future professionals."

“With just six hours to transform a large blank board into a copy of a complex image, the competition has become a proving ground for young people embarking on a career in colour.

“Apprentices value this experience, sponsored by Purdy Professional Painting Tools and supported by Dulux Trade and CITB.

“Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part this year - the standard of work was very high. I look forward to congratulating the overall winners in person at the Premier Trophy Awards next month.”

It’s a special year for both the PDA – which marks its 130^th anniversary - and its flagship Premier Trophy Awards ceremony, which has been running for 35 years.

Neil added: “As a trade body, we have provided a collective voice for painters and decorators since 1894, and to this day, the PDA continues to shine a spotlight on the craftsmanship, skill and professionalism of its members.

“Both the Apprentice of the Year competition and the Premier Trophy Awards are opportunities to fly the flag for excellence in the sector. We proudly represent painters and decorators who commit to providing quality work.”