Screwfix launches national apprentice competition

Screwfix, has announced that it will open its annual ‘Screwfix Trade Apprentice’ competition to the Irish market for the second year running with entries being accepted online until February 20. Go to www.Screwfix.ie/sfta to apply.

Screwfix, which trades online at Screwfix.ie and across more than 17 stores in Ireland, is extending its annual competition to Irish colleagues and customers for another year to support the future leaders in the construction sector.

As apprenticeships took longer to complete over the last two challenging years, in particular 2020 when construction came to a standstill, this had a knock-on effect on the availability and demand for fully-trained workers. However, according to SOLAS, the State agency tasked with building Ireland’s Further Education and Training sector, 2021 saw a positive increase of 37.2% (4,870 versus 3,059 in 2020) in young people enrolling in trade apprenticeships in Ireland, reflecting the demand for highly-skilled workers in this area.

These ‘earn and learn’ opportunities are vital to the economy and for youth employment as well as supporting growing housebuilding targets in 2022.

Thanks to its experience in the sector, Screwfix has been able to spot the need to support the new generation of skilled workforce and is delighted to contribute with the “Screwfix Trade Apprentice”, the competition that champions trade apprentices who will forge the way as future leaders in the field. 

After the success of last year’s competition in Ireland, the retailer is once again extending the annual career-boosting accolade to apprentices nationwide to celebrate their outstanding work and professionalism as to support the growing trade industry in Ireland.   

The winner will walk away with the ultimate €10,000 trade bundle with everything a future tradesperson may need to start their career including high spec tools, the latest technology to boost their trade and training to support their ongoing development. Screwfix will also provide the winner’s college with €2000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping the college to continue providing outstanding services for tomorrow’s trade professionals. The worthy winner will prove to be a standout candidate in their trade, an innovative thinker and a professional who goes above and beyond for their customers.

The competition is free to enter and open to all apprentices across Ireland and the. Apprentices can enter directly or be put forward by their college lecturer or their employer. All entrants must be over the age of 16. Entries for ‘Screwfix’s Trade Apprentice’ are open until 20th February 2022. To find out more and to enter, please search www.Screwfix.ie/sfta

Minister launches new garda recruitment campaign