The number of Brits waiting for essential work to be completed at their homes and businesses is at an all time high as the UK’s skills gap continues to outweigh demand – and many employers in the trades sector struggle to find workers.
As it’s National Apprenticeship Week, tradespeople across the UK are expressing the importance of funding into the future. According to new research by small business insurance provider, Simply Business, 60% of tradies believe that investment into apprenticeship schemes is the key to addressing the nationwide problem.
With training expenditure at its lowest level since records began in 2011 half (50%) of tradespeople find it difficult to hire an apprentice, as almost two-thirds (59%) feel there is a need for better education on the benefits of an apprenticeship in a specialised trade.
The new research also revealed that many skilled tradespeople believe that better pay for trainees (37%) would help to incentivise young people to enter the field, whilst over a quarter (27%) believe that a stronger focus on specialised trades is needed in order to fill the gap.
Julie Fisher, UK CEO at Simply Business said: “We’re proud to insure over 200,000 tradespeople and we know how critical they are to the UK economy and our communities. With the demand for skilled workers at a record high, investing in apprenticeships is essential. Two thirds of all construction apprentices are trained by small firms*, which is why we are shining a spotlight on SME’s calls for the UK government to implement programs in schools that encourage young people into rewarding trades opportunities, and to increase funding for apprenticeship schemes.
“By demonstrating their support for UK apprentices, the government can play a key role in creating sustainable career paths for young tradespeople. This, in turn, will help build and maintain a skilled workforce that contributes to the prosperity of our communities and the overall economy.”
Jordan Gadsdon, Director of JLG Heating & Plumbing in Rochester, said: “Finding a skilled apprentice can be incredibly difficult. I’d love to train someone to help me keep up with the current demand, but there just aren’t enough young people coming through the door. We need more government funding to make apprenticeships more accessible and appealing. If young people are given the opportunity to master a trade, while we’re given the support to hire and train them, it would be a win for everyone.”
Archie Silverlock, a self-employed plumber in Caversham, added: “Becoming an apprentice was the best decision I ever made – it gave me the hands-on experience I needed to get ahead, and taught me the skills that you just can’t learn in a classroom. By taking that first step, I’m now in such a strong position, fully booked with work and doing something that I love. We’re facing a real skills shortage in the UK and it’s a shame that there isn’t more being done to fix it. Specialised trades like plumbing offer such great career prospects – there’s so much potential. We need more funding and better education to attract young people to this field of work.”
*according to the Federation of Master Builders
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