16/11/11 - Sheffield Duo ‘Roll’ To Success In National Paperhanger Competition

Sheffield decorators Lee Bellamy and Kevin Somerset have shown they are a cut above the rest in the Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) Paperhanger of the Year 2011 competition.

The apprentices, who are both studying for their NVQ Level 3 in Painting and Decorating at Sheffield City Council’s Construction Design Centre, achieved wall-to-wall success at the national event, taking first and second place.

Lee, from Longley, works for Andrew Ardron Decorators and took first place, while Kevin, of Shirecliffe, who works for Carters Quality Painters & Decorators, took the second place slot.

The winner and runners-up were announced at the Painting and Decorating Association’s annual conference in Bristol.

Lee, aged 21, was presented with a £300 cash prize and a trophy cup with his name engraved, while Kevin, also aged 21, won £200.

Their prizes were sponsored by Brewers, who also gave both trainees - along with all competing apprentices - a kit bag and provided the wallpaper for the contest.

The trainees were shortlisted from 11 apprentices following a practical contest which took place in September at New College Nottingham’s Basford Hall campus.

The competitors were tested on their ability to match and cut paper accurately, get levels on borders correctly in place and apply paper smoothly with no blisters.

Painting and decorating companies across Britain enter their most talented apprentices for the contest, which is now in its fifteenth year.

Speaking after the presentation, Lee said: “I’m really delighted to take this title. The competition was really challenging, but I worked out the best approach was to be patient, take my time and think about what my next move was going to be before I actually carried it out.”

Both apprentices helped put Sheffield on the map as a centre for excellence in the development of the tradesmen of the future, after receiving their prizes from PDA National President Tom Nelson and Stan Adams, Commercial Director of Brewers at the PDA’s gala dinner.

Held as part of the PDA’s National Conference at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, the dinner was attended by hundreds of representatives from the industry.

Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the PDA, said: “The quality of work by all competitors was outstanding and it was a great achievement alone to make the shortlist.

“It’s great news for Sheffield to have two trainees from the city take first and second prize in this national contest.”

Success in the contest marked a great outcome for The Construction Design Centre, a unique partnership between Sheffield City Council’s Children, Young People and Families’ Service, Sheffield Homes and the construction industry.

 

Their tutor from the Centre, Nick Clayton, was on hand to see both trainees receive their awards.

 

Nick said: “I am extremely proud of both Lee and Kevin. They really do deserve this accolade as they work hard and are achieving high standards.

 

“They are a credit to themselves, their family, employers and our centre.”

 

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Notes To Editors

The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) 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.

Tel 01538 308685/308099, mobile 07985 129315.

Email jane@shepherd-pr.com