Two Welsh apprentices, from Pontypridd and Newport, are both a step closer to winning the ultimate title – Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2022.
Elliot Wigfall, an apprentice electrician from Pontypridd and Jack Thompson, an apprentice carpenter from Newport, applied for the competition earlier this year and have now been selected to go through to the semi-final, together with more than thirty other apprentices.
Following the semi-final, 10 apprentices will face a panel of industry experts at the national final in April, where one winner will receive a career-boosting £10,000 prize package made up of tools, trade, and tech – everything to get started in their chosen field.
Elliot, 30, is studying an EAL Level 3 Diploma electrical installations and says:
“Being one step closer to the final is exciting and I will put my all into demonstrating my skills, commitment, and passion for the trade to help me get through to the final.
“I am hardworking and dedicated and my previous jobs have given me a wealth of experience that set me apart from other apprentices and tradespeople. I am committed to my training, and I am aiming to finish my apprenticeship early. If I was lucky enough to win this incredible competition, it would help me to complete my studies as an apprentice and to one day hopefully start my own business.”
Elliot was shortlisted due to the passion, dedication, and ambition which shone through in the application. The dedication shown towards helping people to also develop their own career is incredible, and the desire to train new apprentices with the experiences he once endured shows real passion.
Jack, 20, is studying for a carpentry and joinery qualification and says:
“To be crowned Trade Apprentice 2022 would be an incredible accolade that would help me realise my potential and help me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional tradesperson. I hope my passion for carpentry and joinery leads me towards my goal of ending up as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.”
Like Elliot, Jack was shortlisted due to his passion, dedication, and ambition. Jack portrays a real enthusiasm by always asking questions when on a job and has even proactively reached out to previous Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner, Chris Keel, to seek advice on how best to complete a task.
During the final, the apprentices will all get the opportunity to share their expertise and ambitions with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and a previous Screwfix Top Tradesperson winner.
Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, says:
“Apprenticeships remain vital to the construction industry and our annual competition looks to reward skilled trade apprentices and highlight the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer. Our trade apprentices are an inspiration to the future generation, shining a light on the benefits of a career in the trade.
“From over 2,500 entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far, and I look forward to hearing more about our future champions of the trade. I hope that through our competition more people will be inspired to consider a career in the trade as a chosen career path. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”
Visit Screwfix.com/sfta to find out more about the apprentices and the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.
