Take the Challenge. Make Your Mark.
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Could this be your moment to shine?
You’ve been developing your skills, putting in the practice and learning your trade. But have you thought about putting yourself forward for a competition?
The BTX Painting & Decorating and Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year Competitions give talented learners the chance to showcase their skills, challenge themselves and gain recognition for their hard work.
Whether you’re a Level 2 or 3 learner or apprentice, entering is an opportunity to put your training into practice, learn from others and discover what you’re capable of achieving.
Taking that first step can feel like a big decision, especially if you’ve never competed before. But you don’t have to know exactly how it will go. You just need to be willing to give it your best.
More than a competition
Competitions aren’t just about taking home a trophy. They’re an opportunity to develop your skills, learn new techniques and meet other talented learners from across the country.
Harry Addicott from Exeter College, who won the 2026 BTX Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year Competition, found that learning from other competitors was one of the biggest benefits of taking part.
“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.”
Meeting people with different experiences and approaches to their trade can help you discover new ways of working and take fresh ideas back to your own training.
It’s also a chance to share your own knowledge, make connections and learn from people who are just as passionate about their trade as you are.
See where it could take you
Taking part in a national competition is an achievement you can be proud of, whatever the result. It’s something you can add to your CV and talk about with future employers, demonstrating your commitment to your trade and your willingness to take on new challenges.
Tommy Hogarth from City College Plymouth, winner of the 2026 BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year Competition, summed up the feeling of seeing his hard work pay off:
“Amazing, definitely, like I just feel like everything that’s gone into this apprenticeship has paid off.”
For Tommy, the competition was a chance to celebrate the effort he had put into his apprenticeship. For you, it could be an opportunity to recognise your own progress and take another step towards your future career.
And if you make it through to the Grand Final, you’ll have the chance to represent your college, compete alongside talented learners from across the country and vie for the title of BTX Painting & Decorating or Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year.
You never know what opportunities might come from putting yourself forward.
Ready to make your mark?
You’ve already been learning, practising and building your skills. Now’s your chance to put them to the test.
Whether you’re passionate about creating a flawless finish or bringing a woodworking project to life, the BTX competitions offer an opportunity to showcase your craftsmanship, learn from others and build confidence in your abilities.
You don’t need to know the outcome before you enter. Trust what you’ve learned and give yourself the chance to see what you can achieve.
Take the challenge. Make your mark.
Applications are now open for the BTX Painting & Decorating and Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year Competitions 2027. Both competitions are free to enter, with fantastic prizes up for grabs!
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out. Apply now to secure your place!
Click here to find out more.
