Aspiring electricians make it through to the Screwfix Trade Apprentice final

10 ambitious apprentices, including two aspiring electricians – Harry Baines and DJ Earley – will go head-to-head to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023.

The national award aims to highlight the hard work and dedication of trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland, with the champion receiving a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training.

Harry, 21, from Northampton and DJ, 23, from Monasterevin, Ireland, will be looking to impress a panel of industry experts at a national two-day final on 2-3 May.

Harry comments, “I’ve worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, constantly adapting my skills to become the best version of myself. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without my mum, dad, and colleagues, so to win Screwfix Trade Apprentice would be an incredible accolade and I know I will have done my parents and colleagues proud.”

During shortlisting, the judges were impressed with Harry’s drive to constantly improve himself, and his future aspirations to build his own client base, start his own company and travel the world with his work.

DJ is a young entrepreneur who would like to follow in his families’ footsteps and go self-employed. He also enjoys helping people and would like to become a tutor so he can pass on his knowledge to future generations.

DJ says, “The award is almost in touching distance now and being one step closer to the final is exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking too!”

During the final, the 10 apprentices will have the opportunity to share their apprentice journeys and career aspirations with a panel of industry experts. The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Federation of Master Builders, National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, Toby Peacock.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says, “The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award is part of our commitment to recognise and reward the future champions of the trade, and in telling their stories, we hope to shine a light on the fantastic work completed by apprentices, day in, day out. Through this award, we also hope to inspire others to start a career in the trade given the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

“The calibre of applications this year has been outstanding. Our finalists have already shown a great deal of skill and ambition to get this far. The standard is incredibly high and I’m really looking forward to finding out more about them at the final.

“Our previous finalists and winners have gone on to start their own companies, become mentors for other apprentices and give back to their community with their incredible skills and talent. I wish our top 10 finalists this year the best of luck and I’m confident that they will all go on to achieve brilliant careers too.”