Sunday 8th November 2026

News

News

The latest industry news for employers, educators, and learners…

News |

6th November 2026

Sparking curiosity: Daikin opens its doors to tomorrow’s green talent

News |

6th November 2026

Low-carbon heating: apprentices see a positive future despite political disagreement on net zero

News |

6th November 2026

EAS requirements are changing – is the electrical sector ready for them?

News |

28th October 2026

Safe isolation: keeping you and other workers safe

Electrical

Electrical

Electrical news, views, and product innovation...

Electrical |

6th November 2026

Sparking curiosity: Daikin opens its doors to tomorrow’s green talent

Electrical |

6th November 2026

EAS requirements are changing – is the electrical sector ready for them?

Electrical |

28th October 2026

Safe isolation: keeping you and other workers safe

Electrical |

28th October 2026

Over 100,000 job and training opportunities a year to give young people a route into Britain’s growth industries

Plumbing & Heating

Plumbing & Heating

Plumbing & heating news, views, and product innovation...

Plumbing & Heating |

6th November 2026

Sparking curiosity: Daikin opens its doors to tomorrow’s green talent

Plumbing & Heating |

6th November 2026

Low-carbon heating: apprentices see a positive future despite political disagreement on net zero

Plumbing & Heating |

28th October 2026

Over 100,000 job and training opportunities a year to give young people a route into Britain’s growth industries

Plumbing & Heating |

28th October 2026

Poor pump selection could be undermining household energy savings, Wilo warns

Features

Features

Feature articles and insights from across the electrical, plumbing, and heating sectors...

Features |

20th October 2026

Upgraded Baxi heating and hot water system help make adapted homecoming possible

Features |

2nd September 2026

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Features |

2nd September 2026

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

Features |

19th August 2026

Is a plumbing and heating career AI proof?

Learning Zone

Learning Zone

Browse and download exclusive training content, including PDFs, videos, how-to tips, and more...

Learning Zone |

28th October 2026

Introducing the new PNB earthing system

Learning Zone |

28th October 2026

Safe isolation: keeping you and other workers safe

Learning Zone |

30th September 2026

Knowledge check: gas

Learning Zone |

30th September 2026

Knowledge check: plumbing

Log in
News | Plumbing & Heating | Published date: 14 April 2026

Two plumbing & heating apprentices make it through to Screwfix Trade Apprentice semi-final

Two aspiring plumbing & heating apprentices from the UK have been announced as semi-finalists for this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.

20-year-old Cary Rudd and 18-year-old Harvey Robinson, from Manchester and Ilkley respectively, have beaten more than 3,000 applicants across the UK and Ireland to secure a place in the semi-final.

They are both now in with a chance of claiming the coveted title and taking home an impressive £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training. The semi-final stage will see 37 aspiring apprentices face an interview to hopefully secure their place in the final, which will take place at Google HQ in April.

Semi-finalist Cary is currently undertaking a City and Guilds in Plumbing and Heating at Salford City Skills. After securing a semi-final place, Cary commented:

“I am delighted to have made it through to the semi-finals of Screwfix Trade Apprentice. To have been selected from a record number of applications is a huge achievement for me. I’m excited about the prospect of representing Manchester on a national stage.

“I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship and learned so much along the way. I love the people I encounter at work, and every day is different. Seeing a project from start to finish gives such a sense of accomplishment, and I’d love to be able to help other young people get into trades.”

Meanwhile, Harvey is currently undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship at Craven College, Skipton, and was nominated by his employer, Jamie Cawthraw. Jamie said:

“Harvey’s drive for excellence is unmatched. From day one he has shown huge amounts of potential, and his can-do attitude and confidence within his work and relationships with clients is amazing to see. Harvey is constantly thinking of ways to better himself and help the company. Always brimming with ideas and suggestions to help our company be more sustainable.” 

Commenting on reaching the semi-final, Harvey said:

“I’m excited to have made it to the semi-finals. I hope that my commitment to the trade will be recognised by the judges and I will do everything I can to try and make it to the final.”

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said:

“As a retailer to the trade, we are committed to championing tradespeople across the UK and Ireland. The 12th annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is a national platform which recognises and celebrates apprentices, whilst also highlighting the crucial contribution they make to the industry. 

“With apprentices so important to the future success of the industry, it is great to see that we have received a record number of entries this year. To make it through to the highly contested semi-final stage is a fantastic achievement, and I wish this year’s semi-finalists the very best of luck in making it to the final.”

For further details, please visit: Screwfix.com/SFTA