Bagnalls Apprentice Wins Big at the PDA Annual Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year Competition 2023

01 November 2023

One of Bagnalls’ apprentices, Katie Sanders, has won the Junior section of the Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) annual Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition 2023.

The competition gives trainee decorators the chance to showcase their skills. Katie competed with apprentices from all over the country to succeed during the heats at The Hub in Doncaster. She also took part in a six-hour wallpapering challenge, showcasing her talent and determination.

The awards ceremony took place during the PDA Gala dinner at the Principal Hotel in York. Katie was announced as one of seven talented winners, taking home the Junior Winner award. She received her award from PDA CEO Neil Ogilvie and Brewers Decorator Centres’ National Sales Development Manager, David Hope.

Neil commented: “What a wonderful PDA Gala evening we had. For me, the apprentice awards are always the highlight. All the apprentices are an absolute credit to our sector.”

The awards encourage excellence and drive amongst the new generation of talent who are beginning their careers in the painting and decorating industry. Apprentices are given the opportunity to prove themselves and succeed in a competitive environment, preparing them for the real-world experience of completing projects to a high standard.

Katie is really pleased to have been recognised for her paper-hanging skills, an aspect of painting and decorating that she particularly enjoys. She would also like to thank her college, Leeds College of Building, for all their support.

Everyone at Bagnalls is so proud to be able to announce Katie as the Junior Winner and we can’t wait to see what she does next!