Highly commended finalists in Screwfix national competition!

Apprentices recognised in Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2018

After a nationwide search, two female apprentices have been awarded highly commended in the final of Screwfix’s Trade Apprentice 2018 Award. Lauren Winter, from Coventry, and Jessica Middleton, from Uxbridge, impressed a panel of judges in Screwfix’s prestigious competition to walk away with the title of highly commended.

During the national final at Google HQ in London, Lauren (24) and Jessica (23) competed in a series of tasks against nine other finalists including a one-to-one interview in front of a panel of judges involving representatives from Screwfix, Google, NICEIC, BWF and CIPHE. They were recognised for their skills and enthusiasm for their trade, gaining the title of highly commended finalists.

Lauren is currently working towards her Level Two Plumbing and Heating qualification at Coventry College. She says: “Taking part in the Trade Apprentice competition has been a fantastic experience, I have a determination to succeed and to get more women into the industry. In the next 10 years I want to run a female-only company and take on my own apprentice, so to be named as a highly commended finalist is amazing.”

Jessica is also working towards a Level Two Plumbing and Domestic Heating qualification, at Uxbridge College, and says: “I am passionate about my trade and would love to go on to complete my Gas Safe Qualification. I want to be able to build my own house from scratch, but in the meantime I’m focussing on my future development to become multi-skilled, with the aim of providing a complete 360-degree design and fitting service for kitchens and bathrooms. I hope to be an ambassador to others and inspire students to make them aware of a career in the trade, and the benefits of going down the apprenticeship route!”

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

Caroline Welsh, Director of Brand and Marketing, says: “We believe supporting apprentices is crucial for the future of the trade. Not only does our Trade Apprentice Competition allow us to champion rising stars, but it also provides a valuable opportunity for us to learn from apprentices about how the wider industry can best support tradespeople in the future. The competition reaches thousands 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.”

“We were impressed with the skills Lauren and Jessica demonstrated in the final, as well as their enthusiasm and determination. They are both great ambassadors not only for apprenticeships, but women in the trade. We look forward to hearing about their future successes!”

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice award will return in 2019.