Petra O’Flaherty.A WOMAN who is currently in an apprenticeship at Kerry College has beaten more than 3,000 people from across the UK and Ireland to be crowned one of two champions at this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition.
Petra O’Flaherty, aged 25 from Blessington, Co. Wicklow, embarked on an apprenticeship after the Covid pandemic made her rethink her career in nursing.
Now in phase seven of her apprenticeship at Kerry College, Petra is the 8th generation of stonemason in her family.
Continued below…
The first registered female stonemason in Ireland for more than 30 years, Petra has used her own story in the trade to encourage others, and so far, has helped two other females embark on their own journey as apprentice stonemasons.
One of two winners — apprentice electrician Gracie Donaghy was also named as this year’s joint winner — Petra takes home an impressive prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth €10,000, while also scooping €2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for her college.
During the two-day final, which took place at Google HQ in London, UK, Petra impressed the panel of industry judges, including representatives from Screwfix, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), with her passion for her craft.
Petra’s unwavering dedication to improving standards across the whole industry really blew the judges away.
Her pride in the heritage of stone cutting was particularly moving. Petra loves nothing more than taking Irish stone from the quarry near her home and turning it into beautiful creations, which will be admired for generations to come.
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.”
“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.”
