A total of 85% of tradespeople think there is a shortage of apprentices entering construction, according to the latest research from Screwfix.
When it comes to attracting future talent, while 99% of tradespeople would recommend a career in the trades, 92% believe more can be done to encourage people into the industry.
When quizzed on why they would recommend a career as a tradesperson, 86% said it was the pride in a job well done, 72% said being your own boss and 64% said customer satisfaction.
To encourage more apprentices into construction trades, and help tackle the ongoing skills shortage, last year Screwfix unveiled a new initiative to fund the training of trade apprentices. Working in partnership with the Flexi-job Apprenticeship Agency, TrAC, Screwfix is to support both apprentice and employer with financial support to cover the cost of training.
The new findings coincide with Screwfix’s annual Trade Apprentice competition, which aims to shine a light on the talent coming into construction across the UK and Ireland and show the need for more apprentices.
The competition, now in its ninth year, will see the champion receive the coveted title together with a trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training bundle and £2,000 worth of technology.
Jack Wallace, Screwfix’s marketing director, said: “We know that there is a shortage of apprentices coming into the trade and our latest research continues to indicate that much more needs to be done to ensure that the trade attracts future talent. The research also shows the rewarding career opportunities on offer to those working in the construction trades, with an overwhelming majority recommending it as a career.
“While some tradespeople consider there to be barriers surrounding hiring and training apprentices, thankfully there is help and support available to overcome these. Our programme with TrAC, to provide financial funding for training apprentices, together with our annual competition, Screwfix Trade Apprentice, are just two of the tangible ways we continue to champion the trade and those working within it.”