A painting and decorating apprentice studying at City College Plymouth, has been named Apprentice of the Year by a national trade body. Ysabella Payn, an apprentice at Bell Group, was named winner of the Junior Apprentice of the Year competition at the annual Premier Trophy Awards hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
PDA Apprentice of the Year competition event
Ysabella, who lives in Stoke, tackled two gruelling days of competition painting designed to test her stamina and skill as part of the contest, which attracted a record 65 participants this year. The Junior and Senior winners of Apprentice of the Year 2023 were announced at the PDA’s Premier Trophy Awards ceremony held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London. PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie said:
“In previous years, the top scorer from the three regional heats would secure the prize, but due to demand, for the first time this year, we introduced a fourth regional heat in Scotland and a Grand Final.
“To achieve this award, Ysabella tackled two complex painting projects that both had to be completed within six hours and demanded high levels of precision and perseverance.
“She has done incredibly well to achieve the top scores in both the regional heat and Grand Final and so be named Junior Apprentice of the Year 2023.
“Ysabella represented Bell Group and City College Plymouth with professionalism and pride and has made an amazing start to her career in colour.”
Sponsors of the competition included Crown Paints, CITB, Purdy Professional Painting Tools, Valspar Trade and Ciret UK.
Ysabella said:
“I felt very proud of myself when I won the award, it was nice to receive recognition for all the practice and work I put in to preparing for the competition.
“I really enjoyed the awards event, it was nice to speak to other people within the industry especially the other prize winners from the apprentice of the year competition.
“It was also good to represent Bell Group and City College Plymouth as they’ve both really helped me in my career.
“I would definitely recommend the competition to other apprentices, it’s a good opportunity to develop your skills and further your career. It helps with your technical skills as well as organisation and speed.
“I was able to make good friends while competing and met lots of people similar to me.”
The PDA is the UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector. For more information, or to find a PDA member near you, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
