APPRENTICES in Dudley have the chance to get their first step on the career ladder by entering this year's Top Trade Apprentice award.

The competition, organised by Screwfix, aims to find and reward the best trade apprentice in the UK and ensure their future in their chosen industry looks bright.

Buudding builders and the next generation of electricians and plumbers can all enter for the chance to win £10,000 worth of prizes, containing everything they need to set up on their own.

The finest apprentices from the region will be selected by Screwfix to go head-to-head at a national final.

The winner will receive a business start-up pack, including a laptop with accessories, £5,000 worth of Screwfix products and funds for future training and courses.

They will also wear the crown of Screwfix Top Trade Apprentice 2017 - standing head and shoulders above their competitors.

Graham Smith, Screwfix's director of marketing, said: "As a leading supplier to the trade, we run this competition to safeguard the future of the industry and invest in the next generation of top tradespeople who will keep our homes warm, safe, dry, and secure for the future.

"This is the third year we’ve run the Screwfix Top Trade Apprentice competition and every year we’re hugely impressed by the bright, enthusiastic young apprentices who are keen to get on in their careers and be a huge success.

"We hope to give the winner the tools and support they need to help them build a successful business.”

Entries are open until March 5, with the overall winner being awarded Screwfix Top Trade Apprentice 2017 at Google Head Office in April.

To find out more, visit the Dudley Screwfix store or complete an application form online at www.screwfix.com/sfta.