A maintenance engineer has reached the final of a competition highlighting the best apprentices in the trade.

Lauren Steel, from Dartford, could be the winner of a £10,000 bundle of tools, technology, and training if she is named the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2021.

In her application, the 25-year-old highlighted her bravery at a career change from office work and her ability to break down barriers for women getting into a trade.

Lauren, who now works for multinational construction and development company Skanska, impressed judges during the semi-final and made it to the top 10.

Each finalist will go through a virtual interview conducted by a panel of industry experts from the Federation of Master Builders, National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. It takes place on April 22 and 23.

Lauren said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for me – I can’t quite believe I am through to the final.

"I took a career change from working in an office to join Skanska at the Royal London Hospital as a maintenance engineer.

"I’m currently in my third year of my apprenticeship and I’m so pleased that I took the decision to try something new."

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford