Are you 2020’s top trade apprentice?

It’s time for the UK’s top trade apprentices to down tools and enter the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2020 competition for the chance to win the ultimate prize bundle. The annual competition celebrates the next generation of tradespeople and the best entries will be invited to a final event in London in April.

One talented individual will be named Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2020 and will receive a prize package worth £10,000. This includes everything they may need to start up their own business – £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 of technology. The winner will also get £2,000 for their college.

All finalists will be invited to attend a Business start-up day at the Global Academy, a University Technical College that specialises in broadcast and digital media. They will learn how to market themselves, promote their business through social media from media industry professionals and they will also meet Capital XTRA’s Robert Bruce.

Screwfix spokesperson Danielle Sweet says: “We are delighted to be back with our Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition as we search for the brightest new talent in the construction industry. This year we are on the lookout for an apprentice who goes above and beyond the call of duty to succeed within their chosen career.”

Callum Abberley, Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner in 2019, has had an incredible year. The plumbing and heating apprentice stood out because of his desire to use his trade skills to help dementia sufferers. He wanted to develop and use tech such as auto shut-off timers to ensure that gas and taps are switched off to reduce the risk at home.

He says: “Winning has enabled me to pursue my dream and advance my studies. The Trade Apprentice competition has been an amazing opportunity and a brilliant step into launching my career. I would really encourage anybody just starting out to enter as it really has the potential to change everything for you.”

Apprentices can enter directly or be put forward by their college lecturer or their employer. The competition is free to enter and is open to all apprentices who are in college or working with a mentor. Entrants must be over the age of 16.

Entries are open until 1 March 2020. Find out more at screwfix.com/sfta

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2019 finalists