Theo Brogan could be titled Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017 after making it through to the final round. Theo works for Uppingham Stone and is currently working towards his stonemasonry qualification at Building Crafts College in London and is one of the 10 finalists from across the UK.
Theo Brogan (22) could be UK's best trade apprentice.
When I heard the news of Theo's success I was absolutely thrilled for him. I have known Theo since starting secondary school at Uppingham Community College 11 years ago. We actually then both went onto QE College in Leicester and both studied art and design A-Levels.
When I read Theo had made the final round of the Screwfix competition I thought it would be great to show support for him by sharing the story on the blog.
Theo has been working full-time at Uppingham Stone for 2 years, alongside studying his for his apprenticeship.
The final of the competition is tomorrow (21st April) at Google's Head Office in London. Theo stood out in the semi-finals of the contest for his passion for stonemasonry which earned him a place in tomorrow's final.
"I am so honoured to be one of the finalists in the Screwfix competition. I have such a passion for my trade and am glad to be part of competition that celebrates apprentices. People often forget how important stone masonry is, especially since there are thousands of old stone churches and buildings in our country that need restoring. My passion for sculpturing and art has allowed me to begin my career in stone masonry where I get hands-on experience restoring buildings while having a successful career."
- Theo Brogan, 22
Throughout secondary school and at college Theo was always one of the most dedicated and passionate students. He has many talents, especially with art and sports. I have fond memories of studying ceramics at Uppingham Community College where his Mother was a great teacher and helped inspire me to take my Product Design GCSE a year early. The Brogan's are definitely a gifted family with many, many talents and I am so pleased to hear Theo made the final, and hope he arrives back to Rutland the winner.
The winner of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017 will receive a business/trade bundle worth £10,000 and £5,000 worth of screwfix products and funds for future training courses to help launch Theo's career.
"Theo has been a great asset to our company. Having an apprentice on board has been a great way to affordably grow our company while helping a local person to take the first steps into the world of work. We are incredibly proud of Theo and wish him lots of luck in the final of the competition."
- Sherman Finnemore, Uppingham Stone MD
Screwfix is also looking to support tradesmen and women who are looking to take on an apprentice with 'Your Guide to Hiring an Apprentice' which you can view here.
"There is an ongoing focus on the importance of apprenticeships for the UK economy and for construction in particular, which is facing a significant skills gap. Therefore, we believe it's important we play our part in encouraging those who have chosen to undertake an apprenticeship. Our search for Screwfix Trade Apprentice of 2017 not only supports their endeavours but also inspires a strong future for the UK's construction industry. Theo is an example of a motivated young person who will be an integral part of the stone masonry industry and a successful future tradesperson. I'd like to wish him and all the finalists the best of luck!"
- Andrew Livingston, Screwfix CEO
For more information on the Screwfix Trade Apprentice Competition, please visit www.facebook.com/SFApprentice