Aspiring Kildare electrician reaches final of international Screwfix trade apprentice competition

An aspiring electrician from Monasterevin has reached the final of the international Screwfix trade apprentice competition.

Ten ambitious apprentices, including DJ Earley are in with a chance of being crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023.

The award aims to highlight the hard work and dedication of trade apprentices across Ireland and the UK, with the champion receiving a career-boosting €10,000 trade bundle made-up of tools, tech and training.

DJ, 23, is currently studying to be an Electrician at ATU Sligo, will be looking to impress a panel of industry experts at a national two-day final in London on May 2 and 3.

He said: "The award is almost in touching distance now and being one step closer to the final is exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking too!"

Outside of work, DJ enjoys playing football and soccer. In the future, the young entrepreneur would like to follow in his families’ footsteps and go self-employed.

DJ also said enjoys helping people and would like to become a tutor so he can pass on his knowledge to future generations.

According to organisers, he was shortlisted as his passion, dedication and ambition shone through in the semi-final stage thanks to his polite demeanour, driven nature and his clear vision for his future in the trade.

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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, Federation of Master Builders, 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. 

Commenting on the award, he said: "The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award is part of our commitment to recognise and reward the future champions of the trade, and in telling their stories, we hope to shine a light on the fantastic work completed by apprentices, day in, day out.

"Through this award, we also hope to inspire others to start a career in the trade given the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

He continued: "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.

"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.

He concluded: "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."

To find out more about the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, please visit screwfix.ie/sfta.