An apprentice floorer from Leicestershire, is a step closer to becoming Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023, after reaching the semi-final stage of the coveted award.
Mike Waldron, has beaten off more than 1,700 entries to be named in the top 30 of the national competition.
He is now in the running to reach this year’s final in May, where the top 10 apprentices will face a panel of industry experts.
Only one will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice and receive a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training – everything they need to become ‘a champion of their chosen trade.’
Mike, 29, who is currently studying floor laying at Floortrain, says: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted as a semi-finalist and being one step closer to the final. To be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 would be an incredible accolade that would help me realise my potential and pursue my dream of becoming a champion of my trade.
“I’m really excited to show my commitment, and passion for the trade and hope this is enough to get me through to the final. When the pandemic hit in 2021, I realised how unfulfilled I was in my current job. It was then, at the age of 28 I decided to embark on an apprenticeship. Since then, I’ve really found my calling – working to not only be the best that I can, but I’m also a believer in helping those just starting out in the trade too.”
Mike was shortlisted for the semi-final for his passion, dedication, and ambition – which is said to have shone through in his application. Having made a career change in his late twenties, Mike’s dedication to championing the trade and the breadth of opportunities within in it has meant he is keen to support others thinking of switching careers.
The apprentices that go on to the final will get the opportunity to share their expertise and aspirations with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. Toby Peacock, the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, will also join the judging panel to help assess who will make the best ambassador for Screwfix and further champion the future talent pipeline for the trade.
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says: “At Screwfix, we are passionate about pioneering the dedication of trade apprentices to support them in their careers and highlight the benefits of becoming a professional tradesperson. Our own research shows that whilst almost all tradespeople would recommend a career in the trade, over 90% think more should be done to encourage people into the industry.
“The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award is a great example of how we look to reward the future champions of the trade. Our trade apprentices are an inspiration to the next generation, shining a light on the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer.
“I want to congratulate our semi-finalists this year, who were selected from over 1,700 applications from across the UK and Ireland. They have done incredibly well to get this far, and I hope that through this award they will help to inspire more people to consider a career in the trade. I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to the final in May!”
