A Weymouth apprentice says he is 'over the moon' to have reached the final of a national competition - and is in with a chance of landing a £10,000 prize.

Jack Martin, an apprentice in electrotechnical systems and equipment at a firm in Yeovil, has fought off more than 1,200 other young entrants from around the country to be named among the finalists of the 2018 Trade Apprentice competition held by trade retailer Screwfix.

All finalists were selected for their exceptional enthusiasm for the trade, innovative approach to learning, desire to progress in their chosen career and, of course, their key skills.

Nineteen-year-old Jack will compete against nine others at the final contest at Google HQ in London on Friday evening, which will include a group task and an interview with a panel of judges including representatives from Screwfix, Google and other major apprentice-employing firms. The triumphant apprentice will receive a business and trade bundle worth £10,000, including a laptop with accessories, Screwfix products and funds for future training courses.

For this year's contest, Screwfix has also partnered with music festival Field Day, which will provide two VIP tickets as part of the prize.

“I’m over the moon to be a Screwfix Trade Apprentice finalist," said Jack, a former Budmouth College pupil now working toward an NVQ. "It’s a great platform to launch my career and to get this far is unbelievable. I am very passionate about my trade and it’s fantastic to be a part of a national competition that celebrates apprentices. The prize would be the perfect start to my career and would mean I have the tools, technology and funds to support extra learning – what more could you want!”

Caroline Welsh from Screwfix praised the Weymouth finalist. “Jack is an example of a motivated individual who will be an integral part of the electrical industry and a successful future tradesperson," she said. "I’d like to wish him and all the finalists the best of luck!”

Screwfix is also offering support to tradespeople who are looking to take on an apprentice with its free and easy to use booklet, ‘Your Guide to Hiring an Apprentice’, which is available online at www.screwfix.com/apprenticeguide.