Four plumbing and heating apprentices from the UK have been announced as finalists for this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.
Troy Stein, Scarlett Ball, Daisy Turner and Olivia Scally will now compete against six other finalists from across the UK and Ireland.
The winner will be announced at the final which is to take place on 7 and 8 May at Google’s UK Office in London. They will take home a bundle of tools, training and technology worth £10,000, along with £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for their college.
Scarlett, 20, from Stamford in the Lincolnshire, is establishing an ambassador network in partnership with her college. The network will see Scarlett and other apprentices visit schools to talk to students about apprenticeship opportunities in the trade industry.
She said: “The competition is an incredible opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned so far, while highlighting the importance of trade apprentices in shaping the future of the plumbing industry.”
Troy, 23, from Glenrothes in Fife, added: “When I submitted my application, I never dreamed I’d make it this far. Looking to the future, after gaining hand-on experience, I hope to transition into lecturing and share my knowledge and skills with the next generation of tradespeople.”
Daisy, 25, from Rochford, self-funded her level 2 training. She now works for a company handling both commercial and domestic projects.
Daisy said: “I always knew I wanted to pursue a hands-on career and having originally been discouraged from joining the trade, I can’t believe I’ve made it through to the finals of this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.”
Olivia, 22, from Stoke-on-Trent, began her career with a business admin apprenticeship at a local heating company, before completing a business degree. However, after working closely with tradespeople day-to-day, she said that she discovered a passion for gas engineering and took the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship.
She stated: “The gas industry is highly rewarding to work in, and so to be recognised for my skills and dedication at this level is such a huge compliment. My route into the trade has been slightly unconventional, but I hope it inspires others to consider it, as it’s such a rewarding career.”
According to Screwfix, the final will offer the top 10 the chance to network and participate in workshops hosted by industry experts and will see each of them interviewed by an expert panel of judges. The judges include representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Screwfix Top Tradesperson Mohammed Rahman.
Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, added: “Apprenticeships are vital to the growth of the trade industry, ensuring we have talented individuals entering the workforce with the skills required to succeed.
“The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is about spotlighting passionate apprentices who are paving the way for the future. We’re thrilled to celebrate this next generation of tradespeople. The talent we see is just getting better and better, so I already know it will be a tricky decision for the judges to make on the day. I wish all finalists the best of luck!”