Longford bright spark Dan O'Shea crowned first Irish winner of Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year title

Apprentice electrician Dan O’Shea has beaten over 2,700 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland to be named this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion. 

Dan, aged 20, from Longford, Ireland is currently completing Phase 2 of his electrical apprenticeship with F White electrical, located in Ballymahon, and takes home an impressive prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth €10,000 – while also scooping €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for his college. 

During the two-day final, which took place in London, UK, Dan impressed the panel of industry judges, including representatives from Screwfix, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) with his passion for the electrical industry. 

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Dan did well in school, achieving a high score on his Leaving Certificate examination, and was therefore encouraged to pursue a university degree. However, he quickly realised that a career in the trade industry was where he wanted to be. With his dad Enda and uncle Tomas both in the trades, Dan was inspired to explore an apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. 

Since starting his electrical apprenticeship, Dan has not only unlocked a passion for renewable energy and sustainability, but he’s also become an advocate for making the trade more inclusive for others thinking of following in his footsteps.

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It was this dedication to wanting to play his role in changing the perception around apprenticeships and shifting the stigma around vocational paths that really shone through in the final. Taking a proactive approach, Dan has already created a trade skills workshop for secondary school students in Ireland to participate in as part of their transition year. As part of this, Dan also approached local politicians to champion trade careers being more visible in secondary school education.  

This, together with Dan’s exceptional response to the pre-final task – to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier –wowed the judges. Dan devised and prototyped his proposal for a product called the Multi Marker – which showcased a practical solution for measuring, marking and scribing. 

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Commenting on the announcement, Dan said: “To hear my name called out was unbelievable! Having met with the other finalists, I knew the competition would be a tough one, and honestly anyone of us would have been worthy winners. This award is going to be such a boost to my career and will really take me to the next level. I still can’t believe I’ve won! 

“From learning new skills, meeting new people and working with the most advanced tools, there’s nothing I don’t love about the electrical trade. In Ireland, renewable energy is so important, and it was great to be able to share my passion about playing my part in helping unlock a sustainable future to the judges. Trades are always in demand, and I’d recommend apprenticeships to anyone, even those who are already at college or have gone done the university route, it’s never too late to change direction, and I’m proof of that.” 

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Simon O’Mahony, Director of Marketing Communications for Screwfix, said, “Dan is an incredible example of what the next generation of tradespeople can achieve. His passion for sustainability and his drive to make a difference in the industry are inspirational. The entire judging panel was moved by his ambition and talent, particularly in how he is already igniting an interest for the trades in young people at critical moments in their education. His trade is lucky to have him, and we are excited to see where this accolade takes him. Congratulations, Dan!”  

Also read: Dan's The Man: Longford apprentice Dan O’Shea crowned champion and claims €10,000 prize in London