Apprentice carpenter wins Screwfix award

Apprentice carpenter Matthew Rutherford (pictured) has been named Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024 champion.

Rutherford, from Bangor, County Down, successfully competed in the national final against nine other apprentices from across the UK and Ireland.

The 19-year-old, who is currently employed by Laird Contracts, received a trophy and a bundle of tools, technology and training worth £10,000. 

During the two-day final, Rutherford impressed the panel of industry judges, including representatives from Screwfix, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

After completing his A-Levels, Rutherford was encouraged to attend university, but he decided to enrol at South Eastern Regional College in Newtownards to study carpentry and joinery.

“I’m so honoured to be Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024. When they announced my name as the winner I couldn’t believe it, it felt completely surreal. I just love my job and I am constantly inspired by my surroundings,” he said.

“I think a lot of people believe a career in the trades is for those who can’t get into university, but I’ve chosen to follow my passion for carpentry – I get to work on something different every day and it’s helped me grow my confidence and skills so much. 

“I’m also the first Screwfix Trade Apprentice from Northern Ireland, so it feels great to be representing my country. I’d love to inspire others to take up a career in the trades, and I hope to be able to take on my own apprentices one day.”

Simon O’Mahony, director of marketing communications for Screwfix, who was also a judge at the final, said: “We are now in the tenth year of Screwfix Trade Apprentice, an important award that recognises the very best trade apprentices in the UK.

"This year more than ever, the calibre of entries was particularly high. Every one of our finalists is a credit to their trade and the future of the industry. 

“[Matthew] demonstrated a genuine curiosity for his trade, passionate about renovating buildings and improving his knowledge and skills to be the best carpenter he can be. 

“I’m really looking forward to Matthew being an ambassador for Screwfix and for apprenticeships in the trades. We urgently need to address the skills gap in the construction industry and nurturing fresh, new talent is key to achieving this.”

For the first time, the judges also decided to award two highly commended recognitions at the final to Jindara Scott and Ethan Wynn, who both received a prize bundle worth £1,000. 

Scott, 22, is an apprentice electrician who impressed the judges with her drive and ambition to improve standards and workplace culture in the industry. 

Wynn, a 21-year-old apprentice gas engineer, was praised by the judges for his dedication to the trade and overcoming personal challenges to pursue his passion for plumbing and heating. 

For more information about the award, visit screwfix.com/sta.