UHI Inverness student from Stornoway awarded Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year
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A Univeristy of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) student from Stornoway has been awarded Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year after competing in a prestigious nationwide competition hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
The UHI Inverness student was revealed as the Senior 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.
Rebecca Mackinnon, age 20, took part in the gruelling six–hour wallpaper hanging challenge at Doncaster College and University Centre in June. This year was Rebecca’s second foray into the competition, having placed as Junior runner–up in 2021.
Rebecca said: “I was over the moon when I realised I had come first. After taking part last year, I was definitely inspired to try again at Senior level. The first time can be overwhelming, but I knew what to expect this time.
“I always do my best at work, and in the competition you have to just enjoy taking part, make sure you’ve got all your measurements right and take it from there. The competition is really valuable and I’d definitely encourage other apprentices to give it a go, it’s a great experience.
“My employer and my college lecturers are really happy for me. They’ve been there for me and encouraged me to enter in the first place, so it’s great to be able to say I’ve won, but the most important thing is to have taken part.”
The competition was judged by PDA chief executive Neil Ogilvie and Melanie Adams, head of wallpaper at competition sponsor Brewers Decorator Centres. The award was presented to Rebecca by Neil Ogilvie and David Hope, the national sales development manager at Brewers Decorator Centres.
Neil said: “Hanging wallpaper is a specific skill and the tasks set as part of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year are deliberately challenging. Rebecca 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.”
Cameron Bonthron, from Canterbury was named Senior runner–up. Jade Oakes from Cheshire won the Junior category with Harry Davies from Bradford as Junior runner-up. Calib Dyson from Leeds was presented with the CEO Achievement and Recognition Award.
