Two Westmeath apprentices show they are ‘bright sparks’

Two apprentice electricians from Westmeath have reached the semi-final of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. Jack Duignan from Killucan and Zain Kenny from Mullingar applied for the competition earlier this year and have now been selected to go to the semi-finals, together with more than 30 other apprentices.

Following the semi-finals, 10 apprentices will face a panel of industry experts at the national final in April, where one winner will receive a career-boosting €10,000 prize package made up of tools, trade, and tech – everything to get started in their chosen field.

Jack Duignan, (24), who is studying an electrical apprenticeship at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, said: “Being one step closer to the final is exciting and I will put my all into demonstrating my skills, commitment, and passion for the trade to help me get through to the final. I pride myself on being the most eager to learn person on site, always up for a challenge, and love teaching what I have learned to new apprentices. I love my job, and put a lot of effort into even the smallest details in my work.

“I believe every day is a new opportunity to learn the many aspects of the electrical trade. Being crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2022 would be the perfect ending to my four-year apprenticeship.”

Zain, who is studying for an Irish Electrical Apprenticeship with SOLAS and King and Moffatt Building Services, said: “To be crowned Trade Apprentice 2022 would be an incredible accolade that would help me realise my potential and help me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional tradesperson.”

“My ambition is to play a role in a renewable energy reform all over the world. I was always fascinated by renewables and how we can generate electricity from everything around us like the sun, wind and water. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2022 will allow me to upskill in relevant fields so I can bring a team with me on my journey after I qualify, using what I learn, one home and one industry at a time.”

In the final, the apprentices will all get the opportunity to share their expertise and ambitions with industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and a previous Screwfix Top Tradesperson winner.

Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, says: “Apprenticeships remain vital to the construction industry and our annual competition looks to reward skilled trade apprentices and highlight the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer. Our trade apprentices are an inspiration to the future generation, shining a light on the benefits of a career in the trade.

“From over 2,500 entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far, and I look forward to hearing more about our future champions of the trade. I hope that through our competition more people will be inspired to consider a career in the trade as a chosen career path. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”

Visit Screwfix.ie/sfta to find out more about the apprentices and the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.