A student from Winsford has been named Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year after competing in a nationwide competition hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
Jade Oakes, 22, took part in a gruelling six-hour wallpaper hanging challenge at Doncaster College and University Centre in June.
The Riverside College Widnes & Runcorn student was revealed as the Junior Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year at a Gala Dinner hosted by the PDA at Stratford Manor in Warwickshire.
As the UK’s largest trade association for the painting and decorating sector, the PDA hosts two annual competitions for apprentices, inviting young people to showcase their skills across a series of competition events each spring.
The Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year contest requires participants to complete a specific wallpaper task designed to test their precision, skill and eye for detail over six hours.
The competition event in June was particularly difficult for Jade. Her beloved grandfather, Brian Faulkner – who taught her the basics of painting and decorating when she was growing up – passed away just weeks before she was due to take part.
Jade said: “It was really emotional when I won. I know my grandad would have been so proud.
“It was tough doing the competition, I had a bit of a frazzled mind, but he inspired me because he was the first person to teach me how to hang wallpaper and I just knew he would have loved to see me do my best.
“The competitions are a great experience, they really give you a confidence boost and I’d definitely recommend taking part to other apprentices.
“I’ve done a few different jobs over the years, and I currently work as an artist, mainly doing dog portraits, alongside my painting and decorating apprenticeship. It’s given me the best of both worlds and it’s fantastic to have been recognised with an award at this stage of my career.”
The competition was judged by PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie and Melanie Adams, Head of Wallpaper at competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres.
The awards were presented by Neil Ogilvie and David Hope, National Sales Development Manager at Brewers Decorator Centres at the annual PDA Gala Dinner this month.
Neil said: “Hanging wallpaper is a specific skill and the tasks set as part of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year are deliberately challenging.
“Jade showed a real commitment to the craft and the level of her hard work and skill is reflected in this award.
“She is a credit to herself, her employer and her college, and I was delighted to offer my congratulations to her in person at the Gala Dinner.
“The competition is sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres and it is their generous and continued support that allows us to host this vital opportunity for people entering the industry.”
Rebecca Mackinnon from Stornoway won the Senior category with Cameron Bonthron, from Canterbury named Senior runner-up. Harry Davies from Bradford was Junior runner-up and Calib Dyson from Leeds was presented with the CEO Achievement and Recognition Award.
To find a PDA member near you visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk
