The UK is grappling with a shortage of skilled tradespeople, a challenge underscored in Checkatrade’s Annual UK Trade Skills Index 2024. This shortage has become one of the most urgent issues in the sector, as the demand for skilled workers rises against the backdrop of government ambitions in housing and environmental sustainability. The report sheds light on industry trends, with a focus on rising demand, skills deficits, and the future of trade professions.
With an ageing workforce, the construction industry is experiencing a shortage of expertise as a substantial proportion of skilled workers approach retirement age. At the same time, the demand for skilled tradespeople is intensifying due to a construction surge following the pandemic, where new housing, office, and infrastructure projects are increasing. This demand is further driven by the UK’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2050, as green building initiatives require specific skills, such as retrofitting for energy efficiency. Together, these factors contribute to job growth and better wages within the trades, but without immediate solutions to address the skills gap, industry projects risk delays and inflated costs.
The Checkatrade Index indicates a critical need for over a million new tradespeople by 2032 to keep up with industry demands, with over 60 per cent of businesses struggling to find workers with the right skills. Notably, the average age of tradespeople has reached 43, with a diminishing pool of younger talent entering fields like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Industry leaders call for government and sector-wide action to promote trade careers as attractive and profitable, viewing this as essential to ensure enough skilled professionals are available to meet growing needs.
Commenting on the situation, Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade, emphasised the importance of the home improvement and repair sector not only in supporting government targets but also in reinforcing and sustaining the existing housing stock. Andrew Evans, Deputy Chief Economist at Capital Economics, pointed out the urgency of a skilled workforce to meet the demands of increased construction activity and the transition to net zero.
With fewer skilled workers available, wages for tradespeople have increased considerably, with the average salary now around £37,000 per year and some specialisations, like plumbing and electrical work, yielding over £40,000 annually. While rising wages make the trades sector more appealing, low apprenticeship uptake and limited vocational training persist as obstacles. Without enough apprenticeships, the current workforce remains inadequate to support demand.
Fewer young people are entering skilled trades through apprenticeships, with barriers such as low awareness of trade careers, misconceptions about salary potential, and the high cost of supporting apprenticeships for businesses. Addressing these barriers is crucial to closing the skills gap and ensuring the workforce can keep up with industry growth.
The report suggests several potential solutions, such as increased promotion of vocational education to draw more young people into trade careers, government incentives for businesses to hire apprentices, and campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of working in trades. Investments in training programmes, including upskilling in modern and sustainable practices, are essential to help the sector meet net zero requirements.
As the demand for skilled tradespeople rises, the future of the UK’s trade sector will depend on how swiftly it adapts to these challenges. With ample job prospects, high wages, and the potential for career advancement, the industry has a promising future—but only if the skills gap is addressed in time.
The skills shortage in the UK trade sector has far-reaching implications, affecting both ambitious government plans and future industry stability. Addressing the gaps in skills, promoting apprenticeships, and ensuring a sustainable workforce are necessary steps to strengthen the sector and meet the demands of the evolving construction and green building landscape.
Hercules Site Services plc (LON:HERC) is a collaborative, innovative company delivering services of the highest standards within the Civil Engineering sector of the construction industry. Hercules Construction Academy provides a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required for a long and successful career in the construction industry.
