The Bournemouth & Poole College has hosted the first of two regional heats in the Johnstone's Trade 2016 Young Painter of the Year contest.
Now in its 12th year, the prestigious competition sees contestants aged between 17 and 27 tested across a range of painting and decorating skills - including abiding by technical specifications, applying stencils and making the most effective use of different Johnstone's Trade paints.
All participants in the competition are currently working towards an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating or in Construction.
"The competition is a great opportunity for students across the country to showcase their skills. We're proud to be hosting this event, and for the first time accommodating two heats for the Southern region," said Scott Oliver, lecturer in painting and decorating at The Bournemouth & Poole College.
"Our Construction students have achieved success in previous years and we're excited to see what they can produce this year. Good luck to all the competitors!"
The Bournemouth & Poole College offers a range of painting and decorating courses tailored to provide the best possible boost to career prospects, with purpose-built facilities allowing students to get stuck in to practical activities - which account for about 80 per cent of the college's painting and decorating course time.
Not only do students at the college benefit from a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable specialist tutors, but they also undertake real projects in the college workshops, and elsewhere in the local area. The college works closely with a wide variety of major local employers, including Bournemouth Borough Council and the National Trust, as well as large construction firms.
Young Painter of the Year heats have recently been taking place at colleges across the UK, giving young painters and decorators the opportunity to showcase their skills. Contestants are given just a few hours to bring the brief they're given to fruition, testing their ability to work to a tight deadline without compromising on the quality of their work.
The first regional heat took place at the Bournemouth & Poole College on May 25th with the second scheduled for June 9th. The winners proceed to the national final, which will be held over two days - 29th and 30th November - as part of the National Painting and Decorating Show at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.
The winners of the two heats each receive a cash prize of £100 and the runners-up £30, with all participants getting a goody bag from specialist paint brush brand Fat Hog. Prizes worth up to £2,000 are on offer for the competition's overall winner.
Press release provided by McCann Connected.
