Pictured: Lewis Hickson, who is studying Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery at Grimsby Institute
Finn MacArthur, Sinead McLaren, Anthony Fallon, Lewis Hickson, Freddie Carr and Ben Thompson have been named as a semi-finalists in this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, after being selected from more than 2,000 applications to compete in this year’s semi-final.
If successful, their respective college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for workshop equipment for current and future apprentices
They will now compete against the other semi-finalists from the UK and Ireland, who are currently completing apprenticeships across various construction trades. The semi-final stage will see them face a tough interview with Screwfix before discovering if they have made the final.
Just 10 semi-finalists will be selected to compete for the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 at the two-day final of the competition in May.
Not only will the winner receive a prize bundle of technology, training and tools worth £10,000, but their college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping to upskill tomorrow’s trade professionals.
They were all shortlisted for the semi-final for their passion, dedication, and ambition – which shone through in their applications.
Finn MacArthur, 21, who is studying Joinery at West College Scotland in Paisley, said: Living on a rural Scottish island, no two days are the same, and I love the variety this job brings. I’ll turn my hand to anything – roughing, finishing, roofing – you name it!”
Sinead McLaren, 18, who is studying joinery at Borders College, said: “I discovered my love for woodworking when I was 14, so to be recognised as an apprentice joiner means so much to me. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase my journey and inspire others, especially women, to pursue careers in the trade.”
Anthony Fallon, 17, who is studying Level 2 Site Carpentry and Joinery at Hugh Baird College, said: “Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of being in the trade, and now as an apprentice, I want to inspire others to follow the same path. Working on people’s homes means shaping spaces that hold memories for generations, and that’s an honour I don’t take lightly.”
Lewis Hickson, 19, who is studying Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery at Grimsby Institute, says: “I love being in the trade because it allows me to take a customer’s vision and turn it into reality. Renovation projects are my passion, and my dream is to restore meaningful buildings and create homes that truly match the people living in them.”
Freddie Carr, 18, who is studying Architectural Joinery at York College, says: “Being an architectural joiner is more than just a job to me – it’s a passion. Working alongside my father, who inspires me every day, I’m determined to push myself to be the best I can be and, one day, take over the family business.”
Ben Thompson, 19, who is studying Architectural Joinery at Abingdon College, says: “I love the creative freedom of joinery and being able to make a meaningful contribution to a building project. I want to challenge the misconceptions that surround the trade to show people that it can be an exciting and fulfilling career.”
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says: “Screwfix Trade Apprentice is a fantastic way to recognise the hard work and dedication of today’s apprentices who are undertaking intensive, on-the-job training and qualifications to create tomorrow’s workforce of skilled tradespeople.
“This competition highlights how vital apprenticeships are in addressing the current skills shortage. We are committed to championing trade apprentices, the colleges that teach them and the employers that nurture them.
“Every year we are consistently amazed by the applications from trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland who are passionate, dedicated and committed to excelling in their chosen trade. To make it through to the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement. I wish this year’s semi-finalists the very best of luck in making it to the final.”
To find out more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, visit https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice
