A bench joinery apprentice from Congleton is through to the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition.

Siobhan Ardern, 23, is studying towards her qualification at Buxton and Leek College.

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.

Siobhan, who is thrilled to have reached this stage, says: "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.

"I want to prove that females can be successful within a job role that was and is still considered a man's job.

"I would like to become a role model for younger girls who have the same desires that I do. The prize bundle would also be an amazing way to help set me up for my future."

Thirty semi-finalists will now submit a video or participate in an interview to try and win a place at April's two-day virtual final event.

This will involve a bespoke event which 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.

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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.

Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, said: "From over 2,500 entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far.

"Apprenticeships are vital to the construction trade and invaluable to the UK economy and each year the standard of entries in our competition is exceptional.

"I'd like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck."

To find out more on the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition or to get advice about a career in the trade, visit their website.

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