An aspiring painter and decorator from High Wycombe has reached the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 awards.

Chelsea Davidson is a step closer to becoming Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023, after reaching the semi-final stage of the coveted award.

The local painter and decorator was shortlisted for the semi-final for her passion, dedication, and ambition – which shone through in her application.

Whilst studying, she has continued to develop her specialist skills and particularly enjoys designing and creating bespoke murals for clients.

Chelsea also demonstrated a keen interest in sustainability in her entry, with a passion for reducing waste and the overall environmental impact of the painting and decorating trade.

Chelsea, 21, who is currently studying Painting and Decorating at Milton Keynes college, said: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted as a semi-finalist and being one step closer to the final.

"To be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2023 would be an incredible accolade that would help me realise my potential and pursue my dream of becoming a champion of my trade.

This year’s competition has attracted more than 1,700 applications from across the UK and Ireland with the entrants now whittled down to just 30.

The final will be held in May, with the top 10 apprentices facing a panel of industry experts.

Only one will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice and receive a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training

Chelsea added: "I’m really excited to show my commitment, and passion for the trade and hope this is enough to get me through to the final. Winning the competition would help me to further develop my specialist skills and grow my current client base.”

The apprentices that go on to the final will get the opportunity to share their expertise and aspirations with a panel of industry-leading judges.

The panel includes representatives from Screwfix, the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting.

Toby Peacock, the winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2022, will also join the judging panel to help assess who will make the best ambassador for Screwfix and further champion the future talent pipeline for the trade.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says: “At Screwfix, we are passionate about pioneering the dedication of trade apprentices to support them in their careers and highlight the benefits of becoming a professional tradesperson. Our own research shows that whilst almost all tradespeople would recommend a career in the trade, over 90% think more should be done to encourage people into the industry.

“The annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award is a great example of how we look to reward the future champions of the trade. Our trade apprentices are an inspiration to the next generation, shining a light on the countless opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

“I want to congratulate our semi-finalists this year, who were selected from over 1,700 applications from across the UK and Ireland. They have done incredibly well to get this far, and I hope that through this award they will help to inspire more people to consider a career in the trade. I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to the final in May!”