Introducing the first ever BTX Painting and Decorating Learner Of The Year Competition! Over the next month, we will be hosting two regional heats in search of the best upcoming talent within the painting and decorating industry. Painting and Decorating students and apprentices from colleges nationwide will compete in a live practical test for the chance to become our first ever BTX Painting and Decorating Learner of the Year. This competition is designed to encourage and inspire future generations of tradespeople and help build their confidence within the industry.  In each location, students will battle it out in a live practical test, designed by The Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT). The three Winners from each Regional Heat will go through to compete in the Grand Final in April.

After a fantastic start at Bath College – Somer Valley Campus, we’re excited to announce the first three Finalists of BTX Painting and Decorating Learner of the Year 2025! A huge congratulations to Romilly Oliver from Able Skills, Jayden Snell from Basingstoke College of Technology, and Alfie Howard from Basingstoke College of Technology.

BTX South Regional winner Romilly Oliver from Able Skills.

BTX South Regional 2nd place Jayden Snell from Basingstoke College of Technology.

BTX South Regional 3rd place Alfie Howard from Basingstoke College of Technology.

After another exciting competition hosted at Wigan and Leigh College, we’re thrilled to announce the final three finalists for the BTX Painting and Decorating Learner of the Year 2025! A huge congratulations to Holly Hall from Burnley College, Ainsley Fernandes from York College, and Hayden Conroy from Burnley College.

BTX North Regional winner Holly Hall from Burnley College.

BTX North Regional 2nd place Ainsley Fernandes from York College.

BTX North Regional 3rd place Hayden Conroy from Burnley College.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the BTX Painting and Decorating Learner of the Year 2025! The standard of work has been incredible, and all the competitors should be immensely proud of themselves for taking part and competing.

Thank you to all our sponsors, judges, and supporters who make these competitions possible, and to the fantastic hosting colleges.  BTX Learner of the Year 2025 is proudly sponsored by Johnstone’s Trade Paints, Ciret Ltd, Frogtape, Fix Radio and the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT). 

Next stop… The final! Who will be our BTX Painting and Decorating Learner of the Year 2025?  Stay tuned on social media to follow the action #BTXLOY25.