Bo'ness apprentice has the skills to win UK Screwfix competition

Raymond Stirling (28), from Bo’ness, applied for the competition during lockdown and highlighted his success in a national skills award, which saw him visit parliament to share his experiences as an apprentice, as a key reason why he should earn a place in the final.

He then impressed during the semi-final round to make the UK top 10.

Raymond said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for me. I can’t quite believe I’m through to the final. I have excelled in my trade as much as possible, winning awards and competitions as well as working through my qualifications.

"I’d love to add this one to my collection as it would be recognition of my hard work and dedication to my plastering career.”

During the final, which takes place on April 22 and 23, Raymond and the other competitors will go through a virtual interview conducted by a panel of industry experts from the Federation of Master Builders, National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.

Each finalist will also participate in a bespoke event from Google Digital Garage to upskill on Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy as well as Writing for Social Media – vital training for when they start out their career.

At the end of the two-day session, one apprentice will take home the prestigious title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021. Winning will open exciting opportunities for them to profile themselves to the trade and provide a platform to inspire future apprentices.

This year’s winner will also receive a career-boosting trade bundle of £10,000 worth of tools, technology, and training to give them a kick-start to their career in the trade.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, said: “We’ve had a record number of entries this year from such a talented group of future tradespeople. Apprenticeships are vital to the trade and invaluable to the UK economy.

"It certainly looks like we are in safe hands with the standard of the applications we’ve seen this year. We’re looking forward to spending some time with our finalists and seeing who will earn the title - good luck.”

Visit www.screwfix.com/sfta for more information.