Bench joiner apprentice from Scarborough wins national competition

Crowned the 2017 Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner, local bench joiner, William Ellis, 19, from Scarborough, has seen off competition from across the UK and walked away with the Grand Prize – a £10,000 business bundle.

During the national final held at Google HQ in London (on April 21^st), William competed in a series of tasks against nine other finalists. There, he had to impress a panel of judges and convince them that he was the best apprentice in the UK to win top spot.

Currently a fifth-year bench joiner apprentice for Peter Thompsons of York, William stood out for his passion for the trade, craftsmanship and commitment to furthering his skills, as well as his commitment to work towards his qualification at York College.

William not only took home the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year 2017, but he also received a £10,000 business and trade bundle which includes tools, work wear, funds for training, top-of-the-range laptop, tablet and the all-important winner’s trophy – everything he needs to get a kick-start in the industry.

William commented: “I was completely shocked when they announced that I had won the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition! Not only was I happy to have won the nationwide competition and receive the recognition, but I got to share this unforgettable moment with my dad, who encouraged me to pursue my dream and begin my bench joiner apprenticeship. The business bundle will enable me to continue with my studies, and I will also be able to get my hands on some new tools. I hope to be a real ambassador to others and highlight what a great job being in the trade is. This has been an amazing opportunity and is a brilliant step into launching my career!”

Now in its third year, the competition led by leading omni-channel retailer, Screwfix, aims to recognise and champion the best trade apprentices in the UK.

Graham Smith, Marketing Director of Screwfix, comments: “We believe supporting apprentices is crucial for the future of the trade. Our Trade Apprentice Competition is one way we do this. Not only does it allow us to champion rising stars, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to learn from the apprentices about how else we and the wider industry can best support them for the future. The competition reaches hundreds of apprentices and trainees who are at the start of their careers and encourages them to strive for excellence and achieve the very highest professional standards.

“William is a brilliant example of a young individual who is motivated to succeed as an independent future tradesman and I look forward to hearing about his future success.”

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice award will return in 2018. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/SFApprentice