Trades Shortage 2025 UK Report

A fifth of people are considering retraining in the skilled trades.

The UK is facing a decline in skilled trades as a shortage bites across the nation - but new research suggests that there is a light appearing at the end of the tunnel.

The MyBuilder.com report shows that more than a fifth of people are considering retraining in the skilled trades sector. The stats show that:

• 21 per cent of all those asked were considering retraining as a skilled tradesperson
• This rose to 34 per cent in the 18-34 year old age group
• 19 per cent of women has considered becoming a tradesperson
• Of those people asked, 25 per cent had a degree

Geographically, there were some interesting variations:

• Yorkshire and Humber: 41 per cent had considered retraining in trades
• London: 28 per cent
• West Midlands: 23 per cent
• North East: 22 per cent
• Northern Ireland: 21 per cent
• North West and South East: 19 per cent
• Scotland: 17 per cent
• South West: 16 per cent
• Wales: 14 per cent
• East of England: 14 per cent
• East Midlands: 10 per cent

The majority are aware of a skilled trades shortage

The skills shortage is a serious issue in the UK, with close to a million new tradespeople needed by 2032 for the industry to continue to function.

The vast majority of Brits knew that the skill shortage was an issue, with 65 per cent agreeing there was a known shortage. The reports showed that:

• 65 per cent admitted to knowing there was a skills shortage
• This fell to just over half (56 per cent) among 18-34 year olds
• Awareness was highest among over 55s, with 73 per cent aware
• 63 per cent of 35-54 year olds were aware

Geographically, there was broadly a consensus in terms of awareness of the skills shortage, with a few stand out statistics.

• In Northern Ireland, a vast majority of 77 per cent were aware
• The lowest was West Midlands at just 56 per cent aware

More than a third of people are dissatisfied with their current career

Over a third (37 per cent) of people asked stated that they were not satisfied with their current job roles.

• This rose to 43 per cent in the 35-54 year old group - a demographic that was also concerned most about AI replacing their job roles.
• It was lowest in the over 55s at just 27 per cent - but this demographic is the least likely to retrain.
• Women were more dissatisfied than men, with 41 per cent unhappy compared to 33 per cent of men.

Scotland was the country with the highest levels of job dissatisfaction at 48 per cent. Other geographical results of note included:

• 44 per cent of those in the South West were dissatisfied
• 39 per cent of those in West Midlands and East of England
• 38 per cent in Northern Ireland and London
• 35 per cent in North East, North West, and South West
• 33 per cent in East Midlands
• 32 per cent in Wales
• 22 per cent in Yorkshire and Humber

Of all those asked, 38 per cent had a degree-level education or equivalent.

Brits are worried about AI affecting their careers

The rising use of AI in many industries has shone a positive spotlight on skilled trades, which cannot be replaced in this way and therefore can offer longevity in a career where others may be threatened.

AI was revealed as a big concern for many Brits when it came to their current careers. The study showed that:

• 50 per cent of men and 46 per cent of women asked were worried about the impact AI would have on their careers
• 52 per cent of 18-34 year olds were worried about this issue
• 44 per cent of 35-54 year olds were worried about AI
• 32 per cent of over 55s were concerned about AI in their current role
• Brits in the North West were the most concerned about this problem - with nearly two thirds (62 per cent) stating they had concerns about how AI would affect their current job roles

This concern, however, grew further when people considered the impact AI might have on their future careers:

• More than half of all those asked (51 per cent) were worried about how AI would affect their future career opportunities
• This rose to 62 per cent of those aged 18-34
• 50 per cent of those aged 35-54s
• 36 per cent of those aged 55 and over

Geographically, there were some variations:

• Yorkshire and Humberside residents were the most concerned at 58 per cent
• Residents of South West England were the least concerned at 42 per cent

Emigration

The cost of living crisis and some political disturbances are leading to many Brits considering a move abroad. However, popular destinations, such as Australia, often require a certain type of job to be needed in their country to allow emigration.

The skilled trades are a perfect example of a desirable job for these popular destinations. Workers on the trades often have a great chance to obtain a right to work, and even citizenship.

The MyBuilder.com research showed that:

• 39 per cent of Brits were interested in jobs that would make emigration possible
• This rose to 44 per cent in males
• Within the 18-34 demographic, 60 per cent were interested in emigration
• This dropped to 35 per cent in the 35-54 year old age group

However, 42 per cent of Brits were not aware that being a skilled worker might allow easy emigration. This rose to 50 per cent in the 18-34 year old age group.

Social attitudes

In the UK, there has often been an unfair stereotype of tradespeople. Previous research from MyBuilder.com has shown that some customers don’t even allow tradespeople to use their facilities or even offer them a drink.

This attitude has pervaded and may even have contributed to a drop in the trades as a career choice. Does society in general discourage a career in the trades?

New MyBuilder.com research shows that:

• 52 per cent of people believe that society discourages people into a career in the skilled trades
• This rose to 59 per cent in the 18-34 year old age group
• More than half of the over 55s and the 34-55 year olds believed that society discouraged a career in the trades

What do our tradespeople think of the issue? We’ve spoken to a number of our tradespeople and asked them how they found their way into their role, plus asked their opinions on the skill shortage facing the industry.

Each tradesperson has their own unique story of how they found their way into the industry, and the vast majority love the freedom it gives them.

Select one of the case studies below to reach the full interview.