TRADE apprentices in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire have the chance to win a £10,000 prize containing everything they need to set up their own business.

Popular hardware store Screwfix wants to find and reward the best trade apprentice as a part of their annual Top Trade Apprentice competition.

Budding builders, electricians and plumbers can all enter for a chance to be Screwfix’s Top Trade Apprentice 2017, which will award the winner a “business starter pack” containing £5,000 of Screwfix products as well as a laptop and funds for future training and courses.

Graham Smith, Screwfix Director of Marketing, said that the aim is to give the best apprentice the tools and support they need to build a successful future.

"As a leading supplier to the trade, we run this competition to safeguard the future of the industry and invest in the next generation of top tradespeople who will keep our homes warm, safe, dry, and secure for the future.

“Every year we’re hugely impressed by the bright, enthusiastic young apprentices who are keen to get on in their careers and be a huge success."

Entries are open until 5th March, and the overall winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Trade Apprentice 2017 at an awards ceremony as Google’s head office in April.

Last year’s winner, Thomas Morgan, has gone on to win other awards since being named Screwfix’s Top Trade Apprentice 2016 and recommends that all trade apprentices apply for the competition.

He said: “I never thought I’d win and I’ve been on such a journey ever since I got the news.

“From the range of tools to the training I’ve received, it’s really helped me to develop my career.”

To find out more you can go into the Screwfix stores in Gloucester, Thornbury and Yate, or visit the website to complete an application form.