A young Liverpool apprentice could be named the best in the country.

Lucas Whelan, a promising electrician from Walton has reached the semi-final stage of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024. The 21-year-old ex Alsop student beat off competition from 1,800 other applications to get to this stage in the competition and is now within the chance of reaching the national final in May.

Lucas was shortlisted for the semi-final for his passion, dedication, and ambition – which “shone through in the application”.

He told The Liverpool Echo: “When an opportunity arose last year, I took it with both hands. I overcame multiple adversities which stood in my way to succeed at my dream job. In the midst of my college career, lockdown happened and it was a tough time for me, there was little to no work. It was a difficult time in my life.

“I found an opportunity but it involved me travelling to Wigan for two months, unpaid, but I was willing to do so for the experience and to make it in this industry. When we went into the second lockdown, I was forced out of the job and had to get a job I had no interest in.”

Lucas, who is currently studying at In-Phase Training Ltd, on Boundary Street, said the competition is just one step in getting his “dream career well underway”.

He added: “It's so surreal to be in the semi-finals because I thought I wouldn’t have a chance at this job but now being here, at this stage, with my dream job is unreal. It’s so rewarding.”

This year’s final will return to London in May, where the top 10 apprentices will face a panel of industry experts to showcase why they believe they should be this year’s champion.

Only one will be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice and receive a career-boosting £10,000 trade bundle made up of tools, tech and training - everything they need to excel in their chosen trade.

The judging 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.

Jack Wallace, marketing director for Screwfix, said: “The skills gap facing our industry is showing no signs of slowing down, so it remains as crucial as ever to highlight just how rewarding a career in the trades can be.

"Once again, the calibre of entries this year has been amazing, and every one of the 33 semi-finalists is a shining example of how hard work and passion can take you anywhere. Regardless of who makes the final 10, they should all be incredibly proud of their achievement, and I have no doubt they’ve inspired even more people to consider a career in the trades."

Written By Paul McAuley - Liverpool Echo Community reporter