PDA’s winning apprentices join Slovenian paint project
The PDA group, representing the UK, with certificates recognising their contribution to
the project
Winners of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA), Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competitions have visited Slovenia as part of an international humanitarian campaign.
Eight apprentices travelled with the PDA to Dol pri Ljubljana in central Slovenia, where they joined more than 100 painting and decorating apprentices from across Europe tasked with a one-day repaint of an elementary school.
Hosted by the Painting and Decorating Section at the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia, the 22nd International Traditional Humanitarian Painting Campaign was hailed by Matjaž Majdič, President of the Professional Painters section, as one of the most successful in its history.
Neil Ogilvie (second from left), joins officials in holding the ceremonial flag of the Painting and Decorating Section, Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia
He said: “With this year's campaign, we have surpassed several milestones, as this has become the largest campaign of painters not only in Slovenia, but we believe, also in Europe.
“Let us thank you once again for your participation in this year's humanitarian painting campaign. It is because of your help that this year's campaign was one of the most successful so far!”
The UK apprentices chosen to take part were Holly Duffy of Spain Building and Maintenance, a student at Accrington and Rossendale College, Henry Hart, of Henry Hart and Sons, studying at Doncaster College, along with Owen Sheldon and Katie Sanders, both employed by Bagnalls and attending Leeds College of Building.
(Back row L-R) Owen Sheldon, Kirsten Jackson, Julie Lawrenson, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Bell Group, Hope Phillips, Henry Hart, Joel Mortlock, Group Academy Tutor at Alfred Bagnall & Sons, Mollie Platts, Holly Duffy and PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie with Katie Sanders and
Elizabeth Horler-Rhymes (kneeling)
Hope Phillips and Kirsten Jackson are both employed by Bell Group and studying at the Bell Apprentice Training Centre in Airdrie while from Ian Williams, Izzy Horler-Rhymes at Windsor Forest College Group and Mollie Platts at Mid Kent College also joined the group.
Holly Duffy has been recognised twice by the PDA in 2024, as Senior Winner of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year and recipient of the Chief Executive’s Recognition and Achievement Award in the Apprentice of the Year competition.
Holly said: “I feel so grateful and proud to have been part of the 22nd International Decorating Campaign, decorating classrooms and corridors at the Elementary School in Dol pri Ljubljana, Slovenia.
“This opportunity has helped me gain so much confidence and knowledge through meeting other people in the trade from all over the world and learning about the culture and history of Slovenia.
“This was my first time abroad which made it even more exciting and valuable, it was very rewarding, and I hope to be part of this again in years to come.”
A welcome dinner was held the evening before the day-long repaint project, with a guided bus tour and lunch taking place on the third day and a presentation evening at which apprentices were handed certificates acknowledging their work and PDA Chief Executive, Neil Ogilvie, was recognised for his 47 years in the industry.
Neil said: “Each year the PDA hosts competitions that test the accuracy, professionalism and skill of apprentices who are embarking on a career in colour and we’re delighted that taking part in PDA competitions opens up new experiences and opportunities for people starting out in the trade.
Apprentices in action at the elementary school
PDA Chief Executive Neil Ogilvie is presented with a special certificate recognising his long service to the industry
“Our group joined apprentices from across Europe as part of a humanitarian project in Slovenia, which we were able to access via our membership of the European-wide industry body, UNIEP.
“The PDA returned to support the project in Slovenia for the first time post-Covid and it was a privilege to support these ambitious apprentices as they embraced a truly international experience.
“It was a particularly moving moment for me to receive unexpected recognition from our international colleagues, and I was proud to be there with our talented young apprentices, representing the UK.”
For more information about the PDA, or to apply to join, visit: Painting and Decorating Association (PDA)
