Painting and Decorating Modern Apprentice Kara Ashton has landed herself a coveted place in the PDA Apprentice of the Year awards 2025 Grand Final.
Kara wowed the judges at the Painting and Decorating Associations (PDA) Scottish Heats held in the City of Glasgow College on Thursday 13 March, and has just been informed that her efforts that day have secured her spot in the finals to be held at Doncaster College on Thursday 29 May.
To promote excellence early in their careers, apprentice decorators are given the opportunity to demonstrate their painting skills in the annual Apprentice of the Year competition.
The competition offers apprentices from across the UK the opportunity to test their painting skills against their peers in a six-hour contest. Competitors are tasked with replicating a given design, testing not only their accuracy and skill, but their ability to perform under pressure.
The competition has grown significantly over the last decade, evolving from a single day event into five regional heats and a Grand Final in Doncaster.
Any UK registered painting and decorating apprentice can enter for the chance to win a selection of fantastic prizes. Overall winners and runners-up in Junior and Senior categories will be invited to receive their awards as part of our prestigious Premier Trophy Awards ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall, London on 3 July 2025.
Fourth Year MA Kara (21) from Plean who works for David Borthwick Decorators, said: “I really do enjoy the competitions and I am really happy about making it through to the Grand Final in Doncaster and am looking forward to it. I was actually up a ladder when I learned the good news. I was bouncing and had to carefully come down to celebrate safely!”
Painting and Decorating Lecturer Michael Denzey, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to hear that Kara has secured a place at the painting and decorating association grand final in Doncaster.
“This incredible achievement is testament to her hard work and dedication and undeniable talent in the field. Watching her pursue her passion has always been inspiring, and now she has the opportunity to showcase her skills on such a prestigious stage.
“I am really delighted for her as she prepares for this momentous event. I know she will shine brightly amongst the competition. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a remarkable journey for her.”
