Kildare Electrician Kellie Cullen Advances in Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 Competition

Caragh, Kildare native Kellie Cullen, 19, has been named a semi-finalist in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition. The aspiring electrician has already surpassed over 3,000 applicants from across the UK and Ireland, putting her in contention for a prize bundle valued at €10,000, including tools, training, and technology.

Competition Details and Semi-Final Stage

The semi-final stage of the competition will involve interviews for the 37 remaining apprentices. Successful candidates will proceed to the final, which is scheduled to accept place at Google HQ in London in April.

Kellie Cullen’s Journey and Passion for the Trade

“To have been selected from a record number of applications is a huge achievement for me, and I’m excited at the prospect of representing Kildare on an international stage,” said Kellie Cullen. She emphasized the rewarding nature of her chosen profession, stating, “As a 19-year-old apprentice electrician in Ireland, I love that every day on site is hands-on, and different. Learning a practical skill that will stay with me for life is really rewarding and such a safety net. I hope that my commitment to the trade will be recognised by the judges and I will do everything I can to try and create it to the final.”

Screwfix’s Commitment to Apprentices

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, highlighted the importance of apprentices to the future of the industry. “As a retailer to the trade, we are committed to championing tradespeople across the UK and Ireland,” Wallace stated. “The 12th annual 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 particularly best of luck in making it to the final.”

About Screwfix Trade Apprentice Competition

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition aims to recognize and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople in the UK and Ireland. The winner receives a comprehensive prize package designed to accelerate their career development.