BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year is back! For a second consecutive year, we will be on the hunt for the best young talent in the painting and decorating industry. Student and apprentice Painters & Decorators from across the nation will compete in a live practical test designed and judged by The Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT). The top three from each Regional Heat will go through to compete in the Grand Final in April in the hopes of being crowned our BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2026. The competition is designed to showcase the fantastic skills of the next generation of the trade and support them through their learning journey and beyond.

After a flying start to our first Regional Heat at Bath College – Somer Valley Campus, we are excited to announce the first three Finalists of BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2026! A massive congratulations to Tommy Hogarth from City College Plymouth, Libbi Hitch from South and City College Birmingham, and Jack Pashby from City College Plymouth.

BTX South Regional winner Tommy Hogarth from City College Plymouth.

BTX South Regional 2nd place Libbi Hitch from South and City College Birmingham.

BTX South Regional 3rd place Jack Pashby from City College Plymouth.

The regional stage of the competition came to a close with our Northern heat at Wigan & Leigh College, Pagefield Campus, and it was a fantastic day. A massive congratulations to our three Northern finalists of the BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2026 competition: Faith Loynes from Leeds College of Building, Courtney Irwin from Doncaster College, and Kady Nuttall from Burnley College.

BTX North Regional winner Faith Loynes from Leeds College of Building.

BTX North Regional 2nd place Courtney Irwin from Doncaster College.

BTX North Regional 3rd place Kady Nuttall from Burnley College.

A massive congratulations to everyone who has competed in BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2026! The talent on show has been amazing, and all of the competitors should be immensely proud of the work that they have been able to produce. 

Thank you to all our sponsors, judges, and supporters who make these competitions possible, and to the amazing hosting colleges. BTX Painting & Decorating Learner of the Year 2026 is proudly supported by headline sponsor, Johnstone’s Trade Paints, alongside Tesa UK, Ciret, Fix Radio, Snickers Workwear and the Association of Painting Craft Teachers (APCT). 

Stay tuned on social media to follow the action @btx_uk using #BTXPAINT26.