An aspiring floor fitter from Leicestershire has reached the final of a national competition, which is designed to highlight the hard work and dedication of trade apprentices across the UK.
Mike Waldron is in the running to be named ‘Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023’ – one of just ten applicants to be shortlisted for the crown, out of a pool of 1,700 entries nationwide.
The 29-year-old, who is currently studying Floor Laying at Floortrain, will be looking to impress a panel of industry experts at a national two-day final in London taking place today and tomorrow (May 2 and 3). The winner will not only be named ‘Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023’, but will also receive a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made-up of tools, tech and training.
“The award is almost in touching distance now and being one step closer to the final is exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking too!” said Mr Waldron.
“Taking the leap to leave a stable career to find an apprenticeship was a risk, but it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. To be crowned the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 would be such a fantastic achievement, and I’d love to use the award to help encourage others like me, who are considering switching careers, by shining a light on some of the brilliant opportunities a career in the trade can offer.”
Mike was shortlisted as his passion, dedication and ambition shone through in the semi-final stage. In particular, his long-term ambition to set up his own company and help train the next generation of tradespeople stood out to the judges.
During the final, the ten apprentices will have the opportunity to share their apprentice journey and career aspirations with a panel of industry experts. The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the Federation of Master Builders, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, Toby Peacock.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, will also join the panel to meet the finalists and crown the winner.
“The calibre of applications this year has been outstanding. Our finalists have already shown a great deal of skill and ambition to get this far. The standard is incredibly high and I’m really looking forward to finding out more about them at the final,” he said.
“Our previous finalists and winners have gone on to start their own companies, become mentors for other apprentices and give back to their community with their incredible skills and talent. I wish our top ten finalists this year the best of luck and I’m confident that they will all go on to achieve brilliant careers too.”
Visit: https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice to find out more.
