Local Bench Joiner and Furniture Making apprentice, Nadia Connabeer, from Totnes and studies at Bridgwater College, has made it through to the final of a nationwide search to find the Screwfix Trade Apprentice of 2015.

Nadia, 21, has seen off competition from across the nation to become one of only 10 apprentices and students to make it through to the finals. She is currently studying Level 3 Bench Joinery and Level 3 Furniture Making at Bridgwater College. Nadia has shown that she has the ability to go above and beyond what is expected of a trade apprentice whilst showing enthusiasm, professionalism and a desire to succeed.

In its first year, the Screwfix Trade Apprentice of 2015 competition is aimed at recognising and rewarding those trade apprentices or full time students for going the extra mile. The winner will receive a £10,000 ultimate business and trade prize bundle, which will include the essentials they need to get a kick-start in the industry. Nadia commented,

“I’m really excited to have got through to the final 10 of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. It’s fantastic that Screwfix are recognising and supporting apprentices and giving us a helping hand. It’s not easy to make it in the industry so this kind of competition is great for gaining exposure for the work that I do.”

Screwfix Marketing Director, John Mewett said,

“Nadia is a perfect example of a young, future tradeswoman who is driven to succeed within the industry and we need to help them kick-start their career by championing those that make themselves stand out from the crowd. I’d like to wish all of the semi-finalists the best of luck!”

Steve Hopper, Programme Manager for Furniture and Design and Bridgwater College said,

“I am extremely proud of Nadia and her achievement. She has a talent, that continues to develop and to get to the final ten of this national competition is a great achievement. I wish her much success in the final.”

Along with the ultimate business and trade bundle worth £10,000, the winner of ‘Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2015’, will also be provided with £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for their college to spend on workshop equipment, helping colleges to continue providing outstanding services for tomorrow’s trade professionals.