A Leeds College of Building student has been named one of the best apprentices in the country after winning a coveted national Painting & Decorating award.
Nicole Germaine, an Equans employee and Leeds College of Building student, was announced the winner of the Senior Apprentice of the Year 2021 category at the glittering Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) 32nd Premier Trophy Awards.
Fellow Leeds College of Building apprentice and Bradford Council employee, Elisha Whyte, also won Joint Runner Up in the same category at the award ceremony held at Plaisterers’ Hall in London.
The PDA is the largest trade and employers’ association in the UK painting and decorating industry with members across the country.
“I am overwhelmed by the experience and the opportunity to be involved in a national event on this scale. I am so thankful to Leeds College of Building and my tutor Garry for giving me all the support I needed and couldn’t be happier to be the PDA Apprentice of the Year.”
Nicole, PDA Apprentice of the Year winner
The Association’s Premier Trophy Awards, sponsored by Johnstone’s Trade Paint, Purdy Professional Painting Tools and CITB celebrate the highest standards of excellence from across the painting and decorating industry over the past 12 months.
Alongside fellow apprentice Calib Dyson, Nicole and Elisha battled against over 70 other apprentices from across the UK to win their places at the finals. The Northern heat of the competition, held at the Leeds College of Building Painting & Decorating Centre (North Street Campus), tested technical drawing, stenciling, and painting skills before judges Neil Ogilvie, PDA Chief Executive and Andrew Davis, from the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT).
