Limerick apprentice recognised at international semi-finals

AN APPRENTICE from Ballylanders, Sarah O’Brien has been named as a semi-finalist in this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.

An aspiring electrical instrumentation technician studying at SETU Carlow, Sarah is in with a chance of winning  the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025, after being selected from more than 2,270 applications to compete in this year’s semi-final. 

Currently working on the job in a pharmaceutical plant in Raheen, she will now compete against 32 other apprentices from around Ireland and the UK, who are currently completing apprenticeships across various construction trades. 

Sarah O’Brien spoke of her success in the competition: “I’m really excited to have been shortlisted and I’m so proud to be representing tradeswomen in these national awards. I adore my line of work and as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, it’s my ambition to show other women that they can pursue a career in the trades without obstacles or fear. I also want to remind other young people of the value of apprenticeships, which allow you to earn as you learn. 

“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.” said Sarah.

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The semi-final stage will see the students face a tough interview with Screwfix before finding out if they have made the final.

Just ten semi-finalists will be selected to compete at the two-day final of the competition in May.  

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.

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.”