Rory Gallagher, an apprentice Carpenter from Bangor Erris, is a step closer to becoming Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023, after reaching the semi-final stage of the coveted award.

With this year’s competition attracting more than 1,700 applications from across Ireland and the UK, the entrants have now been whittled down to just 30, all of whom are in the running to reach this year’s final.

The final will be held in May, with the top 10 apprentices facing a panel of industry experts. Only one will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice and receive a career-boosting €10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training – everything they need to become a champion of their chosen trade.

Rory (21), who is currently studying carpentry and joinery at Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, says: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted as a semi-finalist and being one step closer to the final. To be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 would be an incredible accolade that would help me realise my potential and pursue my dream of becoming a champion of my trade. I’m really excited to show my commitment, and passion for the trade and hope this is enough to get me through to the final.”

Rory was shortlisted for the semi-final for his passion, dedication, and ambition – which shone through in his application.

“I’m very outgoing and hard-working and always try my best to overcome any problems that may occur and try to come up with solutions. I love my career, and I one day hope to run my own company and train apprentices of my own,” Rory says.

The apprentices that go on to the final will get the opportunity to share their expertise and aspirations with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. Toby Peacock, the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, will also join the judging panel to help assess who will make the best ambassador for Screwfix and further champion the future talent pipeline for the trade.