Letter from the PDA CEO

Dear Members,

Spring is fast approaching, which is very welcome as it feels to have been particularly long, dark winter. Let’s hope for a decent spell of good weather in the coming months as I expect that many of you will be dusting off the cobwebs from your external work equipment in readiness for another outdoor painting season.

March was a busy month at the PDA. I have been out hosting and judging the first two of this year’s regional heats of the Apprentice of the Year competition, and was very heartened by the interest this year, given that we have had 75 entrants across the four heats. Accrington and Rosendale College was our first stop, with 16 apprentices taking part. As always, we were made very welcome by Phil Burgess and his team. We have been using this college now for quite a few years, and we thank them once again for their generous hospitality.

Our next stop, Glasgow, was a first for the PDA, where 20 apprentices were taking part. What a splendid college this is, with a construction department that is second to none, I was very impressed with its layout and facilities. Thanks go to our liaison lecturer Michael McEwan and his team for hosting this successful event.

Andrew Davis, a representative from the APCT joined me on both occasions to assist with the judging process. The next two heats will be held at Birmingham South and City College and North Kent College

The eight winners from all four heats will then attend the grand final which will be hosted by Doncaster College in May. From there, the winners from each heat will be invited to join us in London at our Premier Trophy Awards event in July.

Regarding the Awards, our team of eight Clerks of Works Judges are currently carrying out the site visits for the shortlisted entries across the seven categories. I look forward to seeing the winners joining me on stage at the Plaisterers’ Hall for the Awards ceremony.

I have just returned from Brussels, where I attended the final project meeting for the UNIEP Painting Skills Academy (PSA) project – www.paintingskillsacademy.eu – This four-year project carried out by 23 partners located across many European countries will be launched officially in Autumn this year. The PDA has made a significant contribution to this extensive piece of work. I would like to thank our longstanding education and training colleague, Ann Cook, for the invaluable work and support throughout.

The outcomes of the project will provide a European Progression Route for Painting and Decorating, which has been designed by the sector to meet its needs and those of the European Qualification Framework. It will enable Painters and Decorators to have their previous qualifications and work experience recognised, and will identify further learning if required; thus enabling them to gain industry recognised certification to work in Europe. Additionally, it will establish a consortium of approved European Training Providers that will deliver courses from a catalogue of Units of Learning Outcomes published annually by UNIEP (International Association of Painting Contractors). UNIEP will monitor and quality assure all the courses to ensure European standardisation and mobility of training and learning in the European Painting Industry.

Lastly, may I once again remind those Members who have still to pay their 2023 subscriptions to do so as soon as possible, as it is now over three months since the requests for payment were made in midDecember with a reminder letter sent out in February. To allow the continuation of the PDA, its services and support to the sector, it is imperative that we receive outstanding payments. If you are having any issues in paying the amount in full, please contact Denice Harper our Membership Services Manager, who will be happy to discuss extended payment terms with you.

Neil Ogilvie Chief Executive neil@paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk