Justyn in Trade Apprentice semi-final

A site carpentry apprentice from Ballymoney is through to the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021 competition.
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Justyn Owens, 18, is studying towards a qualification at Rutledge Training College.

He has been selected following an initial application outlining how he demonstrates a real passion for the trade, determination to succeed and explaining how he is already going above and beyond the call of duty for his college, employer, and customers.
Justyn, who is thrilled to have reached this stage, said: “I’m delighted to be in the semi-final of this competition. I hope to make it through to the national final in April so I can show the judges how dedicated I am to my career in the trade. Due to my background as a person with learning difficulties, my success can help to inspire others to meet their full potential in whatever area they are passionate about. The prize bundle would be an amazing way to help set me up for my future.”
Thirty semi-finalists will now submit a video or participate in an interview to try and win a place at April’s two-day virtual final event.
This will involve a bespoke event which will include multiple training sessions from Google Digital Garage to upskill the finalists on Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy and Writing for Social Media. Including a product session from Google Nest.
During the final, they will get the opportunity to learn important business skills and will be able to share their experiences and ambitions as an apprentice with a panel of industry-leading judges. The panel includes representatives from the NICEIC, CIPHE, FMB and a previous winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson award.
The worthy winner will take home the career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000. This includes everything an apprentice may need to start up their own business in the trade - £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology.
Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director, said: “From over 2,500 entries, our semi-finalists have done incredibly well to get this far. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”

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