As National Apprenticeship Week begins, new research by Simply Business has revealed that 60% of tradespeople believe that investment into apprenticeship schemes is “the key” to addressing the skills shortage.
With training expenditure at its lowest level since records began in 2011, the study found that 50% of tradespeople find it difficult to hire an apprentice, as 59% feel there is a need for better education on the benefits of an apprenticeship in a specialised trade.
It also revealed that 37% of tradespeople believe that better pay for trainees would help to incentivise young people to enter the field, whilst 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, added: “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, said: “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.”