West Apprentice Finn Finalist in National Trade Competition

Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice, Finn MacArthur, 22, from Arran, was recently named as one of the 10 finalists in the prestigious Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 competition, standing out among more than 2,000 applicants from across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Currently employed as an apprentice Carpenter and Joiner with Armitage Groundworks, Finn is studying his SVQ Carpentry and Joinery at West College Scotland’s Paisley campus. His remarkable dedication to the trade, passion for sustainability, and strong work ethic earned him a coveted place in the national final.

The final, which took place last week at Google’s UK headquarters in London, saw the contenders take part in team-building activities, network with industry professionals, and be interviewed by a panel of expert judges.

Although Finn missed out on the top spot the College are still incredibly proud of his achievement. Finn said:

“It doesn’t feel real – it’s such a big title and a huge accomplishment to have made it this far. I’m incredibly proud and grateful for all the support I’ve received from my tradesman, lecturers, and so many others who helped me get to this stage.”

Finn’s journey into carpentry began after attending a careers fair at school, sparking a growing interest in joinery and energy-efficient homebuilding. Once qualified, he hopes to expand his skills further and eventually run his own business.

Nicola Murray, Head of Construction and Building Services at West College Scotland, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Finn and all that he has achieved. His passion for his craft, commitment to excellence, and ambition to push boundaries are exactly what we aim to nurture in our students. To be selected as a finalist in such a prestigious competition is a testament to his talent and hard work.”

The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is a highly respected annual event that celebrates the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Finn’s success in reaching the final few reflects the growing strength of young talent in the UK construction industry.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For more on the competition visit: https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice

West College Scotland is a modern, ambitious and innovative college, delivering full time, part time, distance and community learning to more than 20,000 students every year. With campuses in Paisley, Greenock and Clydebank we are one of the largest educational institutions in the country. We offer more than 400 nationally recognised further and higher education courses, apprenticeships and training programmes. With a focus on skills development, the College also offers tailored solutions for businesses, including apprenticeships, workforce training, and green skills courses. Our commitment to excellence fosters a skilled workforce, driving business growth and innovation in the communities we serve.