A motor technology apprentice from Westport is through to the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition.
Zoe Cunniffe, 20, is studying towards a motor technology qualification. She has been selected following an initial application outlining how she demonstrates a real passion for the trade, determination to succeed and explaining how she is already going above and beyond the call of duty for her college, employer, and customers.
Zoe, who is thrilled to have reached this stage, said: "I’m delighted to be in the semi-final of this competition. I hope to make it through to the national final in April so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my career in the trade. The prize bundle would be an amazing way to help set me up for my future."
The pandemic has presented many challenges to the construction industry, with employment and ongoing learning opportunities for young apprentices have been most hard hit. The retailer, which trades online at Screwfix.ie and across 12 stores in Ireland, opened its annual competition to Irish colleagues and customers for the first time to support young people working in the construction sector. The competition celebrates and encourages those looking to start in construction.
Thirty semi-finalists from across Ireland and the UK will now submit a video or participate in an interview to try and win a place at April’s two-day virtual final event.
The bespoke event will include multiple training sessions from Google Digital Garage to upskill the finalists on Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy and Writing for Social Media. Including a product session from Google Nest.
During the final, they will get the opportunity to learn important business skills and will be able to share their experiences and ambitions as an apprentice with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and a previous winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson award.
The worthy winner will take home the career-boosting trade bundle worth €10,000. This includes everything an apprentice may need to start up their own business in the trade - €5,000 of tools, a €3,000 training budget and €2,000 worth of technology.
