Finalists In the Running for PDA’s ‘Master of the Rolls’ Title

The three finalists have been named in the Apprentice Paperhanger Competition, organised by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

Ben Brierley, 18, who works for DKN Decorators in Nottingham, Craig Martin, 21, who works for Seddon in Stoke and Dennis McGinley of DT Evans & Son in Southam, near Leamington Spa, have all reached the finals in the prestigious competition.

The announcement comes after independent judges evaluated candidates’ from across the East and West Midlands, as well as South Yorkshire, in the contest, held at the Basford Hall campus of New College Nottingham last month.

The challenge tested the ability of apprentices – aged from 17 to 23 - to match and cut paper accurately, get levels on borders correctly in place and apply paper smoothly with no blisters.

Now in its thirteenth year, the contest attracted students studying for an NVQ in painting and decorating. Brewers sponsored the wallpaper for the event.

All three are now invited to go to the PDA Annual Conference at Harrogate in October for an official prize-giving ceremony.

The competition winner will be revealed at the conference. The winner will win £300 cash, the second prize winner £200 and the third prize winner £100. All finalists will also receive a set of tools.

Paul Marsden, chief executive of the PDA, said: “The event went really well and it was a great opportunity to see the skills of the apprentices.

“This is a demanding contest, which challenges candidates’ time-planning skills, and their ability to work to a deadline, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality in terms of the finished standard of work.

“Every year, the quality of the craftmanship is superb, and this year was no exception. Ben, Craig and Dennis have done exceptionally well to get this far.”

A short video of this year’s contest – including footage of all the entrants - has been produced and can be seen online at http://www.paintingdecoratingassociation.com

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the PDA

The Painting and Decorating Association was established in July 2002, following a merger of the British Decorators’ Association and the Painting & Decorating Federation. The British Decorators’ Association was originally founded in 1894.

This organisation is Britain's largest trade body, dedicated to the painting and decorating trade. Members include sole traders through to large-scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.

Decorators looking to become members of the PDA are rigorously vetted prior to admission. Members are committed to the highest standards in health and safety practice, as well as training development.

The PDA is proud of its long history and high standards, and a registered member can be relied upon to do a good professional job at a fair price.

Press Release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR.

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