Entries for the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 competition are now open until 23 February.
The competition 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.
The winner is to receive a trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology. The champion’s college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment.
Matthew Rutherford, an apprentice carpenter from Bangor, County Down, won the 2024 competition and was the first Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion from Northern Ireland. According to a statement, at 19 years old Matthew impressed judges with his proposal for a product called ‘DoorMate’ which addressed the common problem of hanging doors correctly.
Matthew said: “Winning this competition meant a lot to me. I have always been incredibly passionate about the work that I do.
“Being crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024 not only provided me with a confidence boost, but it also helped me develop my skills to go further in the industry.
“Since winning, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved with other Screwfix initiatives. I visited Parliament to discuss trade skills and the importance of them for the UK’s growth. It was an incredible experience and one I never imagined I’d have the chance to be a part of.”
Alongside winners of Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson competition, the statement said that Matthew spoke to Lords, MPs and civil servants at the Houses of Parliament to share insights about “the importance of attracting fresh talent into the industry”.
The event followed a recent Screwfix report, which found that 79% of SMEs and sole traders have been unable to take on an apprentice due to financial concerns.
Jack Wallace, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “As a retailer to the trade, we’re committed to championing tradespeople across the UK. We are dedicated to supporting the construction industry because it plays a vital role in providing jobs, enhancing infrastructure and driving economic growth.
“Screwfix Trade Apprentice recognises and celebrates apprentices while also highlighting the crucial contribution they make to the trade industry.
“Every year we see an increase in talented young people applying, which makes choosing a winner a difficult decision for our judges. We know what a difference this competition makes to the apprentices who reach the final and we’ve seen them go on to excel in their careers. It’s a fantastic opportunity, so don’t miss out.”