BTX Painting & Decorating and Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year Competitions are back!
BTX Magazine is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Learner of the Year competitions – celebrating the very best young talent in the construction trades. Following the huge success of the inaugural BTX Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year in 2026, the competition will return for its second year alongside BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year for its third year!
Both competitions provide students and apprentices in the construction trade with the opportunity to showcase their technical skills, grow in confidence, and compete for prestigious national titles – with fantastic prizes donated by leading industry sponsors.
BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2027
Level 2 and 3 learners from across the UK will compete in two regional heats before advancing to the Grand Final in April 2027. The competition, designed and judged by the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT), challenges entrants to complete a demanding practical test under timed conditions – replicating real-world pressures faced on site.
Reflecting on the final, last year’s winner Tommy Hogarth from City College Plymouth said:
“Amazing, definitely, like I just feel like everything that’s gone into this apprenticeship has paid off”
Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at BTX, commented: “The BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year final has been a remarkable showcase of hands-on expertise and creative precision within the trade. Each finalist demonstrated outstanding skill, attention to detail, and professionalism while working under realistic, time-pressured conditions. The standard of work sets a high benchmark for future competitions and reflects the exciting future of the painting and decorating industry.”
BTX Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year 2027
Level 2 and 3 learners from across the UK will compete in two regional heats before advancing to the Grand Final in April 2027. The competition, designed and judged by the City and Guilds, allows entrants to complete a challenging practical test under timed conditions – simulating real-world pressures faced on site.
Looking back at last year’s final, our winner, Harry Addicott from Exeter College, said:
“It’s been good because a lot of different students do stuff a lot of different ways so you pick up little tips and tricks and they all help you out in the long run”
How to Enter
The deadline for entries is the 30th of November 2026.
For more information or to enter the competitions, click here.
Follow the competitions on social media – search for @btx_uk and use the hashtags #BTXLOY27, #BTXPAINT27 and #BTXCARPENTRY27.
