New research highlights the rising demand for skilled trades in the UK.
- Plumbers and locksmiths lead as the most sought-after tradespeople.
- An impending gap of one million in skilled tradespeople poses a challenge.
- Electricians, roofers, and handymen round up the top five in-demand trades.
- Interestingly, chimney sweeping remains popular with seasonal peaks.
New data underscores the crucial role of tradespeople in the UK’s economy, particularly plumbers and locksmiths, who top the list in terms of public demand. This insight, derived from Vansdirect research, is further illuminated by the UK Trade Skills Index, which forewarns of a looming shortage of nearly one million skilled workers over the next eight years.
Plumbers and locksmiths each accounted for 18% of all trade-related searches in the country. The necessity for such services is indicative of the essential nature of their work, providing invaluable support in emergencies and routine maintenance alike.
Other trades such as electricians, roofers, and handymen also feature prominently, capturing 15%, 8%, and 6% of searches respectively. These professions are also vital, reflecting the ongoing needs for electrical work, structural repairs, and general maintenance.
An intriguing aspect of the research is the sustained interest in chimney sweeps, which still attracts over 20,000 searches monthly. This demand surges notably in the autumn months, a period when chimneys are utilised more frequently.
Despite the seasonal variability seen with landscaping and gardening services, year-round demand for trades like electricians, locksmiths, and plumbers provides a stable foundation for those considering specialisation in these areas.
The enduring demand for trades such as plumbing and locksmithing underscores the critical need for skilled workers in the UK.
