Wicklow Stonemason Petra O’Flaherty Crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026

The apprentice stonemason from Blessington beat more than 3,000 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland to emerge as a champions

Petra O’Flaherty has been crowned the winner of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026.  The apprentice stonemason from Blessington, Co Wicklow is one of two winners at this year’s competition - beating than 3,000 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland to emerge as champions.

The 25 year old takes home an impressive prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth €10,000, and also scoops €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for her college in Kerry.

Petra is the first registered female stonemason in Ireland in more than 30 years. Her unwavering dedication to improving standards across the whole industry really blew the judges away. alongside her pride in the heritage of stone cutting.

Petra loves nothing more than taking Irish stone from the quarry near her home and turning it into beautiful creations. Commenting on the announcement, Petra said: 

The whole experience of the competition has been unbelievable, I’ve even been able to share my story on TV and radio, but getting the chance to meet and know the other apprentices has been the icing on the cake. I honestly think we all could have been chosen, so to hear my name was incredible.

This award is going to be so valuable to me and my career, but more importantly, to my college and any future stonemasons out there who are thinking of embarking on an apprenticeship. I really hope I can use my story to inspire others to consider a career in stonemasonry, and to show that it’s never too late to switch careers – it’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done.

Stay tuned to East Coast FM to hear more from Petra herself. She'll be joining Declan on The Morning Show tomorrow, Weds 6th May.