Screwfix has launched its 2026 Trade Apprentice competition.
According to a statement, the annual competition provides a national platform for trade apprentices to showcase their skills, share their views and reinforce the role apprentices play in addressing the trade skills gap.
This year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion will receive a trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology. Meanwhile, the champion’s college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on new workshop equipment to further develop the next generation of trade professionals.
Dan O’Shea, an apprentice electrician from Longford in Ireland, was crowned Trade Apprentice 2025.
Dan said: “Winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice, was such an honour, but it was really only the start.
“My entry took no more than 15 minutes, and never in a million years did I think it would lead to this. I look forward to keeping a close eye on the competition to see who will be crowned the next Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion.”
Jack Wallace, marketing director at Screwfix, added: “As a retailer to the trade, we are committed to championing tradespeople across the UK and Ireland. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition recognises and celebrates apprentices while also highlighting the crucial contribution they make to the trade industry.
“Over recent years, we’ve seen the number of applications grow year-on-year, which makes selecting one overall champion an exciting challenge for our judges. Today’s trade apprentices are the next generation for the industry, bringing with them fresh ideas and skills which will be vital for the future. So, whether you’re an apprentice electrician, plumber, painter and decorator, or roofer, what’s stopping you? Like Dan O’Shea, you could be the one taking home the national title and a fantastic prize.”
Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 is free to enter and open to all trade apprentices who are currently enrolled at college, either on a part-time placement with an employer or as a full-time college student.
Apprentices can apply themselves or be nominated by their college or employer. All applicants must be over the age of 16.
Entries are open until midnight on Sunday 15 February.