Burton upon Trent apprentice named UK’s top Trade Apprentice at national final

May 31, 2019

Callum Abberley named Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2019

After beating competition at the national final in London, 18-year old Callum Abberley, a plumbing and heating apprentice at Burton and South Derbyshire College, has won a career-boosting £10,000 business bundle – as well as the chance to be part of the build team at ‘Field Day’ festival, plus two VIP tickets.

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice final saw 10 of the UK’s brightest up-and-coming trade apprentices gather in London for two days, with the first day spent at the Global Academy where finalists were taught vital skills on how to take their business forward, including social media training and green screen filming. The final took place at Google HQ, where Callum wowed a panel of judges by demonstrating his passion for his trade.

Currently working towards his NVQ Level 2 Diploma in plumbing and heating, Callum caught the judges’ attention with his desire to run his own business one day. His goal is to help sufferers of dementia to live better lives through the use of technology, such as auto shut off timers ensuring gas and taps are switched off to reduce the risk within people’s homes.

Callum said: “I am so honoured to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2019!

“The prize will help me to achieve my dream and specialise in helping dementia sufferers. I also want to become an ambassador to those coming into the trade. The skills I have learnt so far have helped make dementia sufferer’s lives easier and this prize will only help me develop further.

“The Trade Apprentice competition has been a fantastic experience. I have met so many brilliant people, who I will remain in touch with for years to come. I would encourage anyone to take up an apprenticeship, it’s opened so many doors for me and means I can really make a difference.”

Callum’s prize bundle will see him receive £5,000 worth of Screwfix products, the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a part of the build production team at Field Day along with two VIP tickets, and funds for future training and courses.

Caroline Welsh, Director of Brand and Marketing at Screwfix, said: “Screwfix Trade Apprentice is now in its fifth year and myself and all the judges were truly blown away by the attitude, commitment and passion shown by all of our finalists.

“Apprentices form a vital part of the trade and are invaluable to the UK economy, providing a pipeline of fresh talent and innovative ideas. Each year we see many exceptional entries and it was a privilege to be able to spend time with the finalists at this year’s final.

“Callum’s compassion and drive to give back selflessly really set him apart in a very competitive final. The judges were impressed by what Callum has already achieved and his outlook on how his trade can make a difference to the lives of dementia sufferers. I look forward to watching him develop and wish him all the very best!”

To find out more you can visit Screwfix stores, or go to www.screwfix.com/sfta.