TRADE apprentices across Herefordshire are being offered the opportunity to win thousands of pounds worth of career-boosting prizes.

The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is returning for the sixth year, searching for the brightest new talent in construction.

The winner will receive a prize package worth £10,000, including everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business - £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology.

They will also get £2,000 for the college where they study and will be invited to meet a team of experts behind Capital XTRA’s Homegrown Live, at the event this spring.

All finalists will also be invited to a business start-up day at the Global Academy, to learn how to market themselves, promote their business through social media, and meet Capital XTRA’s Robert Bruce.

Danielle Sweet, Screwfix Spokesperson, said: “We are on the lookout for an apprentice who goes above and beyond the call of duty to succeed within their chosen career. It really is an honour to be able to offer our future generation this career boosting accolade to help kick start their future."

Callum Abberley, Screwfix Trade Apprentice winner 2019, has had an incredible year. The plumbing and heating apprentice stood out due to his desire to use his trade skills to help dementia sufferers to live better lives. He wanted to develop and use special technology, such as auto shut-off timers, to ensure gas and taps are switched off to reduce the risk within people’s homes.

Callum said: “The Trade Apprentice competition has been an amazing opportunity and a brilliant step into launching my career. I would really encourage anybody just starting out to enter as it really has the potential to change everything for you.”

Apprentices can enter directly or be put forward by their college lecturer or their employer. It’s completely free and is open to all apprentices who are in college or working with a mentor. All entrants must be over the age of 16.

Entries are open between February 3 and March 1. To find out more, visit screwfix.com/sfta.