A DORSET painter and decorator has been named one of the best in the country after winning a major national award.
Phillip Maidment, from West Howe, Bournemouth, secured the title of Apprentice/Trainee of the Year in the Premier Trophy Awards – a national competition promoting high standards of craftsmanship organised by the Painting and Decorating Association.
The 20-year-old Bournemouth & Poole College student works for Hadland Care Group based in Bournemouth,
Phillip fought off stiff competition to secure the trade body’s title, which attracted entrants from across the UK.
He received the accolade in a glittering ceremony held at the 28th annual Premier Trophy Awards at Northumberland Avenue in London last week (July 7). Philip received £500 worth of products supplied by professional painting tools company Purdy who, along with CITB, sponsored the competition. He also received a goodie bag from Tesa and vouchers for the Dulux Training Academy.
Fellow Bournemouth & Poole College student Ben Squibb was also a finalist at the event, taking third place in the contest.
Phillip said: “I was really surprised when my name was called out as the winner; I knew I was up against some really tough competition. I was delighted to win the award as I really enjoy working in the painting and decorating industry and enjoying new challenges every day. It is really rewarding to see the end results.”
A total of 17 apprentices and trainees took part in north and south heats of the tournament with Level Two student Phillip emerging as the overall winner.
The competition was based on a colour wheel with competitors challenged to complete work testing various techniques against the clock.
Neil Ogilvie, Chief Executive of the Painting and Decorating Association, judged the national contest along with Lord Scott Oliver of Bournemouth & Poole College, in his capacity as a member of the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT). Mr Ogilvie said: “Judging was a very difficult and lengthy process as the quality of the work was extremely high.”
“The highest scoring finalists from both heats were judged on set criteria and it was very close with only a few points separating the top three.
“But we felt Phillip just edged it in the end and was a worthy winner of what is a very important industry award.”
