Tools and equipment boost for York college

York College has received £2,000 worth of vouchers to spend at Screwfix after William Ellis, a former York College bench joinery apprentice, was named the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017.

William entered Screwfix’s Trade Apprentice 2017 competition earlier this year. Thousands of apprentices applied and the top ten were invited to the national final held at Google HQ in London. William competed in a series of tasks against nine other finalists and was crowned the overall winner.

The winning college in York has been provided with £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on equipment for the College’s Construction & Skills Centre which provides outstanding training for tomorrow’s trade professionals.

Rob Holmes, Head of Construction at York College said: “We are delighted to take receipt of the Screwfix vouchers which will be spent on upgrading the drills in our Construction & Skills Centre. We are very grateful to Screwfix and to William who, after successfully completing his training with us, has been able to set up his joinery business as a partner in his father’s business; Chris Ellis & Son in Scarborough.”

William Ellis was not only awarded with the title, but has also received the top prize of a £10,000 ultimate business and trade bundle including everything he needs to kick-start his career in the industry.

William commented: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out as the winner of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017 competition. I hope to be a real ambassador to others and highlight what a great career an apprenticeship can offer. The £2,000 Screwfix vouchers will really benefit the college and help towards future apprentices.”

Graham Smith, Marketing Director of Screwfix, comments: “It’s very important that we continue to support the future tradespeople in the UK. Our Trade Apprentice Competition not only champions rising stars, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to learn from the apprentices about how else we and the wider industry can best support them for the future.

“William is a brilliant example of a young individual who is motivated to succeed as an independent tradesman and I look forward to hearing about his future success.”

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition reaches hundreds of apprentices and trainees who are at the start of their careers and encourages them to strive for excellence and achieve the very highest professional standards. The competition will return in early 2018.