Two HTAE apprentices have secured places in the national final of the 2026 Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.
Two Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) apprentices have secured places in the final of the 2026 Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition.
Daisy Milner, 20, and Jazzmin Smith, 22, were selected as finalists by an independent judging panel following this year's Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition at Doncaster College on 14 July.
Both are Level 3 Painting and Decorating apprentices with HTAE and are employed by Hull-based D&D Painters and Decorators.
The pair impressed judges during the challenging six-hour wallpapering competition, which tested technical ability, precision, and attention to detail against some of the country's most talented decorating apprentices.
Run by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centres, the competition provides apprentice decorators from across the UK with an opportunity to showcase their skills and celebrate excellence within the trade.
For Jazzmin, the achievement marks a return to the national stage after reaching the 2025 final, where she was named Junior Runner-up.
Both apprentices have progressed through HTAE's Painting and Decorating apprenticeship programme while working with D&D Painters and Decorators. Their success in the competition reflects the high standards, commitment, and technical skills they have demonstrated throughout their training.
Daisy Milner said:
"I'm so happy about the news. I didn't think I'd be a finalist. I just tried my best and kept going to the best of my ability. I really enjoyed the competition. Although it was very tiring at times, it involved a lot of problem-solving and quick thinking. I'm just delighted overall, and it feels like all my hard work has paid off. The papers we had to use were really interesting to hang, and you had to pay attention to every detail. I'm excited to take part in more competitions in the future."
National finalist Daisy Milner at Hull Training and Adult Education's Construction Centre on Nursery Grove, Hull.
Jazzmin Smith said:
"It's really exciting to be a finalist for a second time. This year's competition was on a much larger scale, which meant I had to be even more efficient with my time. All of the papers were drop-pattern work, so it was great practice for my future career too. I feel very fortunate to have made it this far, and I always try my best in everything I do. I'm excited to see what the future holds as I continue to develop my skills and challenge myself."
National finalist Jazzmin Smith at Hull Training and Adult Education's Construction Centre on Nursery Grove, Hull.
The pair will now attend the PDA Networking Event and Gala Dinner on Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre, where the winners and runners-up will be announced.
Daisy Milner's competition piece, completed during the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year challenge.
Jazzmin Smith's competition piece, completed during the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year challenge.
Amanda Skinner, Construction Centre Manager at Hull Training and Adult Education, said:
"We are incredibly proud of Daisy and Jazzmin for reaching the national final of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition. Having two apprentices from our Construction Centre, both employed by D&D Painters and Decorators, recognised among the UK's most promising decorating talent is a fantastic achievement. Their dedication, professionalism and attention to detail have been outstanding throughout their training, and they are a credit to both HTAE and their employer. We wish them every success in the final and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.
Reaching the national final is a significant achievement for both Daisy and Jazzmin and recognition of the talent and dedication they have shown throughout their apprenticeships.
Everyone at Hull Training and Adult Education wishes Daisy and Jazzmin the very best of luck as they represent Hull in the national final this October.