Kingfisher : Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition shines a light on future talent

Screwfix is supporting the next generation of tradespeople with its annual trade apprentice award. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice is a national competition open to all trade apprentices who are in college or working with a mentor. The competition is now in its sixth year, with the 2020 winner set to win a career-boosting prize package worth £10,000 - £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology - plus £2,000 for the college where they study. The previous five winners' careers have gone from strength to strength since clinching the coveted title. Read their stories below.

2019: Callum Abberley (19) - heating and plumbing engineer Callum is the current holder of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice title and wears the crown with pride. He impressed the judges with his passion for owning his own business one day and his goal of using technology to help dementia sufferers live in their homes for longer. Eight months on from his win, Callum is now preparing to take the reins of Burton-based Boiler Repair Man, where he learned all he needs to know about his trade. He has recently fast-tracked his way through his Unvented Certificate and is working towards a Gas Safe status so he will be all set to step into the world of trade. Callum believes winning the competition has given him the confidence, tools and connections to take his career to the next level. He says: 'If you are thinking of applying, don't hesitate. Winning boosted my career and focussed my mind on what I need to do to continue my success.'

2018: Jack Martin (21) - electrotechnical systems and equipment Jack, a fourth-year Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment apprentice, walked away with the Screwfix Trade Apprentice title in 2018. And the Weymouth lad says: 'Winning gave me the chance to do things I wouldn't be able to do otherwise.' Jack is highly innovative and motivated to succeed in his career and sees the potential of the rapidly-changing electrical industry. And using the career-boosting £10,000 prize, he recently took an electrical design course, where he was the youngest participant. Alongside his apprenticeship qualifications, his design capabilities also set him apart from others his age. Jack still displays his winner's trophy with pride. He adds: 'I am very ambitious and always thinking about the next thing I want to achieve.'

2017: William Ellis (22) - bench joiner He might have scooped the title in 2017, but Will still can't believe he beat hundreds of others to come top. He says: 'It still hasn't sunk in.' Will, from Scarborough, North Yorks, works in a close-knit partnership running a joinery business with his dad. He used his £10,000 prize bundle to open his own workshop and fully kit it out, enabling him to support more customers. Will is a firm believer in apprenticeships and reckons it's worth anyone who truly loves their trade giving the contest a shot. He says: 'If you have a passion for your trade and truly love what you do, this competition is for you.'

2016 Thomas Morgan (25) - technical manager Before becoming an apprentice, Thomas planned to take a different path in life and was studying to be an actor. After deciding the stage wasn't for him, he became an apprentice plasterer. And winning the competition in 2016 raised Thomas' profile and helped him land a job as a technical manager He says: 'Becoming an ambassador for Screwfix and showcasing my skills on a national level helped push me that step further. 'I am now completing my fourth-year degree in project and construction management alongside my full-time job as technical manager. Working with Screwfix has opened up so many opportunities for me.' Having now moved off the tools, Thomas, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, believes apprenticeships are the stepping-stone for a future career in the trade, providing key life-skills and the knowledge to be successful.

2015 Nadia Connabeer (26) - recruitment manager and mentor for shared apprenticeships SW Nadia was the first Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner in 2015 and clinched the title thanks to her passion for the trade and interest in the wider construction industry. Now Nadia, from Totnes, Devon, works helping others into construction-based careers and apprenticeships. Her determination saw her not only win the competition but also successfully complete a string of sought-after qualifications, including site manager health and safety and mental health first aid. She says: 'All aspects of the prize have enabled me to progress my career, if you are thinking of applying this year, do it - you can never aim too high.'