Eyes on the prize: Longford apprentice electrician in contention for €10,000 winnings

Aspiring electrician Dan O’Shea from Fort Hill, Co Longford is in with a chance of winning Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025, after being selected from more than 2,270 applications to compete in this year’s semi-final.

Dan, who is completing an electrical apprenticeship at GRETB, will now compete against 32 other apprentices from the UK and Ireland, who are currently completing apprenticeships across various construction trades. The semi-final stage will see them face a tough interview with Screwfix before finding out if they have made the final.

Just ten semi-finalists will be selected to compete for the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 at the two-day final of the competition in May. 

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Not only will the winner receive a prize bundle of technology, training and tools worth €10,000, but their college will also receive €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping to upskill tomorrow’s trade professionals.

Dan O’Shea said: “I’m really excited to have been shortlisted and I’m so proud to be representing Longford in these national awards. From learning new skills, meeting new people and playing with the most advanced tools, there’s nothing I don’t love about the electrical trade. I entered this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 because I feel I’m ready to take the next step in my career, particularly within the green energy sector, which is so important to Ireland going forward. 

“I really hope my passion and dedication to the trade will come through in my interview, as to be selected to compete in the final of the competition would be an incredible opportunity.”

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Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says: “Screwfix Trade Apprentice is a fantastic way to recognise the hard work and dedication of today’s apprentices who are undertaking intensive, on-the-job training and qualifications to create tomorrow’s workforce of skilled tradespeople.

“This competition highlights how vital apprenticeships are in addressing the current skills shortage. We are committed to championing trade apprentices, the colleges that teach them and the employers that nurture them.

“Every year we are consistently amazed by the applications from trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland who are passionate, dedicated and committed to excelling in their chosen trade. To make it through to the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement. I wish this year’s semi-finalists the very best of luck in making it to the final.”

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