Apprentices from Wales reach semi-final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition

An electrical engineering apprentice from Abertillery, a joinery apprentice from Haverfordwest, and an electrotechnical installations apprentice from Cardiff are all through to the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition.

Holly Overfield, 19, Conor Ratcliff, 24, and Kaiden Ashun, 21 are studying towards their qualifications at Coleggwent College, Pembrokeshire College, and Cardiff and Vale College respectively. They have been selected following an initial application outlining how they demonstrate a real passion for the trade, are determined to succeed and go above and beyond the call of duty for their college, employer, and customers.

Holly, who is thrilled to have reached this stage, says: “I’m delighted to be in the semi-final of this competition. I’d like to inspire other young girls to get a career in the trade by sharing my experiences. The prize bundle would be amazing!”

Conor adds: “I hope to make it through to the national final in April so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my career in the trade. I have always dreamed of being self-employed and I am excited about what I can bring to the trade.”

Kaiden, is also delighted to have reached this stage, and says: “I have a passion for following industry standard, designing and installing safe, reliable electrical installations.  I hope that one day I will be able to own my own company doing this line of work, and establish myself as a reliable, trustworthy tradesman. Winning the prize would be an amazing way to help set me up.”

Thirty semi-finalists will now submit a video or participate in an interview to try and win a place at April’s two-day virtual final event.

This will involve a bespoke event which will include multiple training sessions from Google Digital Garage to upskill the finalists on Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy and Writing for Social Media. Including a product session from Google Nest.

During the final, they will get the opportunity to learn important business skills and will be able to share their experiences and ambitions as an apprentice with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and a previous winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson award.

The worthy winner will take home the career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000. This includes everything an apprentice may need to start up their own business in the trade – £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, said: “From over 2,500 entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far. Apprenticeships are vital to the construction trade and invaluable to the UK economy and each year the standard of entries in our competition is exceptional. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”

To find out more on the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition or to get advice about a career in the trade, please visit www.screwfix.com/sfta.