NANTWICH electrical apprentice, Paul Jackson has made it through to the final of a nationwide search to find the Screwfix Trade Apprentice of 2016.

Currently working towards his NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualification at South Cheshire College, 20-year-old Paul has seen off other apprentices from across the nation to become one of only nine to make it through to this stage of the competition.

Paul, who currently works at Lundie Electrical in Sandbach, stood out in the semi-finals for his passion for the electrical trade, along with dedication and enthusiasm towards his course, and will now head to the grand finale at Google’s Head Office in London on 15 April.

Paul sad: “It’s great to be a finalist in Screwfix’s competition. Electrics is always something I’ve been interested in, and since learning the trade, I’ve really enjoyed learning about how it all works. I also love helping people, so seeing how grateful our customers are when we finish a job is so rewarding for me.”

During the final, the finalists will hope to impress with their passion and knowledge during one to one interviews with the judges. One winner will be crowned the Screwfix Trade Apprentice of 2016, receiving a £10,000 ultimate business and trade bundle. This includes everything they need to get a kick-start in the industry.

Now entering its second year, this highly competitive award led by leading multi-channel retailer, Screwfix, aims to recognise and champion the best trade apprentices in the UK.

Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, said: “Paul is an example of a young person who is motivated to succeed as an independent future tradesperson and we need to help people like him to get their foot on the ladder. I’d like to wish all of the finalists the best of luck!”

The winner’s ultimate business and trade bundle worth £10,000, includes a Google Nexus tablet and a top of the range laptop, as well as £5,000 worth of Screwfix products and up to £3,000 to spend on training courses to further enhance their career.