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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