Home / Insights / Blog / The Growing Demand for Trade Skills in the UK Construction Industry The Growing Demand for Trade Skills in the UK Construction Industry The construction industry in the UK is currently facing a significant challenge – a shortage of skilled trade workers. This shortage has created a high demand for various trade skills across different sectors. As the current workforce in the industry ages, the need for new recruits becomes more pressing. In this blog, we will explore the trade skills that are in high demand in the UK construction industry and the steps being taken to address this growing skills gap. The Current State of the UK Construction Industry The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 report has highlighted the need for 937,000 new recruits by 2032 to bridge the skills gap in the construction and trades industry. This shortage is particularly prevalent among plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters, and electricians. Since a significant portion of the current workforce is aged over 50 and set to retire in the next decade, there is an urgent need to engage young people to pursue careers in skilled trades. In-Demand Trade Skills Several trade skills are currently in high demand in the UK construction industry. These especially include: Plumbers:As a result of the increased need for new housing and infrastructure, the demand for skilled plumbers is on the rise. Plumbers play a crucial role in installing and maintaining plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. Electricians:Equally as technology continues to advance, the demand for qualified electricians is growing. Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in various settings. Carpenters:Additionally the construction industry relies heavily on skilled carpenters for tasks such as framing, installing fixtures, and crafting furniture. The need for carpenters is expected to surge over the next decade. Addressing the Skills Gap To combat the shortage of skilled trade workers, the construction industry in the UK is focusing on engaging and training young people. The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 report emphasises the need for 244,000 qualified apprentices by 2032. This push for apprenticeships aims to fill the gaps in various trade skills and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the future.As shown above, the demand for skilled trade workers in the UK construction industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As the current workforce ages, there is a pressing need to attract and train young talent to fill the skills gap. By focusing on apprenticeships and promoting the value of trade skills, the industry can ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to support future construction projects and infrastructure development. Ensure buyers know you can do the job With buyers searching for suppliers, it is important that you update your work categories to ensure buyers know you can do the job. Login below to update. Update Work Categories Summary: As our current work force ages, we need 937,000 new recruits by 2032 to bridge the skills gap in the construction and trades industry Several trade skills are currently in high demand in the UK construction industry. These include: Plumbers, Electricians and Carpenters To combat the shortage of skilled trade workers, the construction industry in the UK is focusing on engaging and training young people Blog Supplier Related case studies Supplier Case Studies Hill Hill is one of the country’s top house builders, specialising in developing homes of distinction across London and the South East. Innovation, design excellence, quality build and respect for the local environment are key to their success, which has been recognised through several major industry awards. … Read more Buyer Case Studies VINCI Construction UK VINCI Construction UK saves 22,000 man hours in procurement and supply chain management with Constructionline and the COINS iPortal VINCI Construction UK is a market leading national construction and facilities company, and part of the VINCI Group. The organisation employs 4,000 people across four divisions … Read more Buyer Case Studies Wates Group Following a comprehensive review of their supply chain data management systems and the providers of this technology available in the market place, construction and development firm Wates Group adopted Constructionline in a bid to streamline procurement processes and reduce risk across all its contracting divisions. … Read more See more
