A LIMERICK apprentice electrical instrumentation technician has been named as a semi-finalist in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice semi-finals.
Sarah O’Brien, from Ballylanders in County Limerick, was this week named as a semi-finalist in the national competition which seeks to find the top trade apprentices in the country.
The student of SETU Carlow, if successful in the competition, will receive €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for workshop equipment for current and future apprentices for her college.
She is so far high in the rankings at the competition, which drew more than 2,270 entrants from across Ireland.
Sarah, who is studying electrical instrumentation at SETU Carlow and working in a pharmaceutical plant in Raheen, will now compete against 32 other apprentices from Ireland and the UK, who are currently completing apprenticeships across various construction trades.
Just 10 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.
The winner will receive a prize bundle of technology, training and tools worth €10,000, and €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for their college.
Reacting to the announcement, Sarah said: “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.”
Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, added: “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.”
