Ethan Wynn, a 21-year-old apprentice gas engineer from Buxton, has been ‘highly commended’ following the two-day national final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024.
Representing apprentice gas engineers working in rural locations, Ethan shone throughout the final with his ambition to learn about his chosen trade and ability to overcome personal challenges to pursue his passion for plumbing and heating. The judges said that he clearly articulated the challenges facing areas such as Buxton when it comes to deploying renewable solutions for a more sustainable future.
Ethan’s innovative approach to the pre-final task, in which he was asked to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier, saw him create a 3D printed prototype of a ‘Cut and Clean Pipe Slice’ invention, which impressed the judges. The judging panel included 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).
Speaking after the event, Ethan said: “To reach the final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice was a great achievement, but to be awarded Highly Commended made it especially memorable. I’m immensely proud of my achievements, and to have had the opportunity to represent the hard work and dedication of all trade apprentices. I absolutely love my job and, in the future, want to help others looking to build a career in the plumbing and heating sector.”
Simon O’Mahony, director of marketing communications for Screwfix, presented the highly commended award to Ethan, who will also receive a prize bundle worth £1,000. He 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.”
The winner of Screwfix Trade Apprentice was Matthew Rutherford, a 19-year-old apprentice carpenter from Bangor, County Down who is currently employed by Laird Contracts Ltd. Matthew walked away with the coveted trophy and a career-boosting prize bundle of tools, tech and training worth £10,000. Jindara Scott, an apprentice electrician from Lisburn, was also ‘highly commended’ and presented with the £1,000 prize bundle.
To find out more about the awards please visit: screwfix.com/sta.
