Tullow woman, Zoe in Screwfix trade apprentice semi-final

A YOUNG apprentice electrician from Tullow has beaten more than 3,000 applicants across the UK and Ireland to reach the semi-final of one of the trade industry’s most prestigious competitions.

Zoe Hynes (23) has secured a place in the semi-final of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition, with the chance to take home a €10,000 bundle of tools, technology and training, if she goes all the way.

Zoe is currently studying to be an electrician at SETU Carlow and is one of 37 aspiring apprentices who will face an interview as part of the semi-final stage. Those who impress the judges will earn a coveted place in the final, which takes place at Google HQ in London in April.

Speaking about her achievement, Zoe said she was thrilled to have made it this far in a competition that drew a record-breaking number of entries this year.

“I am delighted to have made it through to the semi-finals,” she said. “To have been selected from a record number of applications is a huge achievement for me. I’m excited about the prospect of representing Carlow on a national stage.” 

Zoe also spoke passionately about being a woman in the trade, saying she hopes to inspire others to follow a similar path.

“I love being a woman in the trade and leading the way for other women to join,” she said. “I enjoy the variety, meeting new people, being part of a team and helping out younger apprentices who are stuck or unsure.” 

Screwfix marketing director Jack Wallace congratulated this year’s semi-finalists, noting that the competition, now in its 12th year, exists to champion tradespeople across the UK and Ireland.

“To make it through to the highly contested semi-final stage is a fantastic achievement,” he said, wishing all semi-finalists the best of luck ahead of the final.

Further details on the competition are available at screwfix.ie/tradeapprentice.