Screwfix Trade Apprentice Profiles – Kaiden Ashun
Kaiden Ashun, from Cardiff, was crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice in 2021 for his passion for all things electrical.
After leaving 6th form college, Kaiden felt university wasn’t the right route for him. Keen to get some hands-on experience within the trades, he began working at his dad’s construction business. Kaiden says: “I’ve always been a hands-on learner, so I knew that whatever I did after 6th form college would need to work with my learning style. I realised that more traditional routes such as university wouldn’t be for me, so I did my research and came across an electrotechnical installations apprenticeship at Cardiff and Vale College. Having worked with my Dad I was lucky enough to get some experience across a few different trades, but it was electrics that really interested me. I applied and was offered a place.”
Alongside his studies, Kaiden also secured a placement with Blue’s Electrical. As one of around 30 apprentices employed by the business, he was able to draw on the support of his peers. He adds: “Being among so many apprentices really helped me. There was always someone around who was in a similar position to me, so understood what I was going through, and we could really support each other.”
Having stumbled across Screwfix Trade Apprentice while shopping for tools on the Screwfix website, Kaiden went up against the very best in trade apprentice talent to be crowned the overall winner in 2021. “The entire process was really enjoyable, from the video interviews to the final itself and meeting the judging panel, my confidence grew no end,” Kaiden says, “winning the competition was such a proud moment in my career.”
In fact, Kaiden was able to use his Screwfix Trade Apprentice win to support the next stage of his career. He comments: “Having successfully completed my apprenticeship in 2021, my goal was always to set up my own electrical business. Winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice gave me the self-belief to take that next step in my career much sooner than I thought I would, and I set up my limited company in 2022. The tool bundle and training package I received as part of my prize has meant I’ve been able to invest in my business from the get-go which has been great.”
“Looking ahead, I’d love to be able to give back to the industry and support future talent by taking on my own apprentices. Having that personal experience, and starting my own career as an apprentice, I’m keen to play my part in supporting those in the trades.”
Offering advice for anyone starting out on their apprenticeship journey, Kaiden says: “Perseverance is key and so is having a positive attitude! Other than that, make sure you’re the hardest working person on site, get there early and be the last one to leave. Even little things like tidying up at the end of the day will really go a long way to get you noticed.”
To find out more about Screwfix Trade Apprentice, please visit: screwfix.com/sfta or screwfix.ie/sfta
