The UK is facing a critical shortage of multiskilled tradespeople, and it’s putting our housing and net-zero ambitions at risk. That’s the stark warning from Checkatrade’s latest Trade Skills Index, which paints a worrying picture of the current landscape.

The report states that the industry needs 1.3 million new skilled workers and 350,000 apprentices over the next decade to keep up with demand. With the sector projected to grow by 40% in that time, the current skills deficit poses a serious threat.

So, what’s causing this shortage?

The report points to a number of factors, including:

An aging workforce: Many experienced tradespeople are approaching retirement, and there aren’t enough young people entering the field to replace them.

• Brexit: Changes to immigration rules have made it harder to recruit skilled workers from overseas.
• The pandemic: COVID-19 disruptions led to a backlog of work and further strained the industry.
• Lack of training opportunities: Organisations and industry leaders aren’t doing enough to encourage and support people to pursue careers in the trades.

What are the consequences?

This shortage has real-world implications. Homeowners are facing longer wait times and higher prices for essential work. Delays in construction projects are putting the government’s ambitious net-zero targets at risk.

What needs to be done?

Checkatrade’s report calls for urgent action to address this crisis. Key recommendations include:

• Investing in training and apprenticeships: We need to make it easier for people to enter the trades and develop the skills they need.
• Upskilling existing workers: Providing opportunities for tradespeople to expand their skillsets and embrace new technologies, particularly in areas like renewable energy.
• Improving the image of the trades: Promoting the trades as a rewarding and valuable career path.

The message is clear: we need to act now to avoid a full-blown crisis. If we don’t, the consequences could be severe.

You can read more from this report on the Checkatrade Skills Index site.

Image credit: Checkatrade