A World Without Trades
Being a homeowner means having responsibility for maintaining, fixing and replacing items when they break down. While some Brits are happy to attempt fixing issues around the house, not everyone is confident enough to try – and being able to get help from a tradesperson or construction business is invaluable.
However, recent data shows that the number of construction businesses, and employees, are in decline, with a total decrease of 3% year on year according to the latest ONS data.
What’s more – the current trades workforce is ageing, with one third planning to retire in the next decade. A report by About Apprenticeships predicts that 937,000 new workers are needed in construction and skilled trades by 2032 in order to meet demand.
At Markel Direct, we delved into government data to see which trades (and regions) are seeing the biggest decline in the construction workforce, as well as apprenticeship entry data to find out what the future of the trades workforce will look like.
In addition, we surveyed 1,187 UK homeowners in December 2024*, to uncover which jobs the UK public are most reliant on tradespeople for, and the issues that get ignored if they can’t hire a tradesperson. We also enlisted the help of Kevin Barnett, Builder and Site Manager, Retired, to gain his expert insight into the causes and results of the current UK trades shortage.
The trade that saw the biggest year on year decline in businesses was plastering – down by 9% - followed by house building (-7%) and painting (-6%). This was closely followed by demolition, which was down 4%, and flooring and wall coverings, which saw a 2% decrease.
The region with the biggest decrease in construction businesses was Yorkshire and the Humber, which has seen a 6% decline, followed by the West Midlands and Greater London, which both experienced a 5% drop. The North West and East Midlands experienced slightly lower drops of 2% each.
What does this mean? As demand for tradespeople continues to rise, the importance of new entrants to the sector to reduce the skills gap will increase. Apprenticeships offer a vital route into the construction industry for young people and career changers, so we analysed new starter data to understand if the sector is on track to bridge the skills gap.
Rates of starters for trade apprenticeships across the country
Whilst the total number of applicants for apprenticeships in any sector across the UK has increased by 0.8% compared to the previous year (from 337,000 to 339,600 in 23/24 ) the same cannot be said for applicants into apprenticeships within the construction sector, which has seen a decline, as shown by the Department of Education data. According to an About Apprenticeships report, in order to plug the estimated skills shortage there would need to be 937,000 new recruits in construction and trades by 2032; with 244,000 of those needing to be qualified trade apprentices and the remaining 693,000 from other routes into the industry such as vocational college courses, private training providers and career switchers.
We looked at data for the past two academic years, from the Department of Education, to understand how many people are starting apprenticeships across the UK, how many people are completing them (to obtain their qualification), and which area has seen the biggest shift. In England, there has been a 1% decrease in apprenticeship starts in construction, falling from 24,530 in 22/23 to 24,230 in 23/24 and in Scotland the number of construction apprentices has fallen by 3% from 6,619 in 22/23 to 6,410 in 23/24. There is some hope for Wales though, who have seen a 1.8% increase in construction apprenticeship starts year on year, from 2,255 in 22/23 to 2,295 in 23/24.
As for the number of those apprenticeships that result in a qualification, in England the achievement rate for construction apprenticeships is just 56.7%, in Wales it is 69% and in Scotland it is 72.9%. If we use these rates against the starts in 2023/24, we would only see a total of 19,848 construction apprenticeships result in a qualification in the UK, meaning the UK is not currently on track to bridge the construction skills gap, falling 19% behind where it needs to be.
Taking a deeper dive, the decrease in England is not evenly distributed, with some regions experiencing a steeper decline than other. The East Midlands had the most noticeable drop in construction apprenticeship starts (-15%) from 2,330 starts in 22/23 to 1,990 in 23/24. This includes a -16% decline in male starters, whilst female starters remained the same. However, it wasn’t only the East Midlands that saw a drop; the Humber also saw a 7% decrease across the board from 3,270 construction apprenticeship starts in 22/23 to 3,050 starts in 23/24, despite seeing female apprenticeships grow by 4%. The main driver was the 7% dip for males.
The South West (-2%) experienced a slight dip from 3,330 to 3,280 year on year, largely driven by a 3% drop in male starters, although female entrants rose by an impressive 14%.
If this downwards trajectory continues, what impact will this have long term for the UK? If less people continue to enter apprenticeships each year, the larger the specialised skill gap will grow, especially as not all starts end with a qualification. In the long term, this could impact wait times for repairs, renovations and possibly construction projects in these areas on a wider scale due to increased demand. If you live in an area where there may be a future shortage of skilled tradespeople, it might be worthwhile brushing up on your DIY skills.
The future of trades
With an ageing workforce and ongoing skills shortages, the trade industry relies on a steady pipeline of new talent to keep homes, businesses and infrastructure running smoothly. We looked at data covering starts and enrolments for specific apprenticeship schemes, to see which trades are seeing the biggest growth and where gaps may be forming.
Domestic electricians stand out, with a staggering 500% year-on-year increase in starts. Roofer (+18%), along with floorlayer (+9%) apprenticeships have also seen noticeable increases, pointing towards demand for courses in these industries.
While some trades are holding steady, thriving even, others are seeing dramatic declines. From traditional skills like bricklaying and carpentry to specialised roles in tunnelling, the numbers suggest a future shrinking workforce in these skilled trades that could leave both homeowners and businesses struggling to find the expertise they need.
Traditional construction skills, including bricklaying (-24%) and carpentry and joinery (-9%) are witnessing fewer apprenticeship entrants, which could potentially lead to skills shortages in the coming years. Sectors such as wall and floor tiling (-20%) are seeing steep declines, which could result in additional pressures in an already niche speciality.
Overall, the starts in construction apprenticeships have been in decline since 2021/22. The academic year 2023/24 showed a 7% decline overall compared to 2021/22.
How will this shifting landscape within the trades sector impacts the average Brit? With fewer apprentices entering vital trades, the industry could face long-term challenges with meeting demand. As a result, customers could experience increased costs and longer wait times for essential trades services. This goes hand in hand with issues, such as the widening skill gap.
What are the biggest barriers preventing young people from entering the trades?
Kevin Barnett, Builder and Site Manager, Retired, discusses some of the barriers that are preventing young people from entering into skilled trades, expanding the shortages in the future. “One of the biggest barriers is that many subcontractors prioritise profit and don’t have the time or resources to train apprentices".
“Breaking into the trades requires a combination of formal education and hands-on experience. Starting with an apprenticeship, followed by further training, provides a solid foundation for a successful career. I started as an apprentice with a national building company while attending college for three years. After that, I continued my education for another two to three years to expand my knowledge of construction and management.”
How handy is the UK?
Without skilled professionals to handle essential repairs, homeowners may be forced to adopt a “can-do” attitude and tackle fixes themselves. But how prepared is the UK for that reality?
We surveyed 1,187 UK homeowners in December 2024* to uncover which jobs the UK public are most reliant on tradespeople for, and the issues would be ignored if they couldn’t find a tradesperson.
We found less than half (44%) of UK homeowners consider themselves to have “good” DIY skills, suggesting that for the majority, even basic maintenance can feel like a daunting task. In fact, 61% of respondents wish they were handier - although that doesn’t help install a bathroom or plaster a bedroom.
Without skilled tradespeople to call upon, household problems could pile up. Over a third of homeowners (32%) admit that they would leave an issue unfixed if they couldn’t repair it themselves. This wasn’t out of laziness, but because they simply didn’t know where to start. Unfortunately, the situation isn’t helped thanks to financial constraints. A whopping 44% have already delayed repairs due to the high cost of hiring a tradesperson - so even if they can find one, it doesn’t mean they can afford them.
Have you noticed any changes in customer behaviour due to the shortage? E.g. more DIY attempts or longer booking times?
Barnett believes the shortage of tradespeople is forcing homeowners to not only attempt repairs themselves, but also turn to un-vetted tradespeople. He shared: “There is often a long wait for skilled tradespeople. Some customers are attempting basic DIY projects, while others are unknowingly hiring unqualified tradespeople based on misleading online reviews. I believe there should be a government or local council-run platform that verifies and promotes reputable tradespeople with a proven track record of high-quality work.”
The tasks that homeowners would tackle themselves and the ones they’d get professionals in for
When it comes to attempting home repairs, confidence plays a huge role in what Brits are willing to tackle themselves. While some jobs feel manageable when armed with a detailed video tutorial, others remain firmly in the hands of a professional tradesperson.
The tasks homeowners are confident to do themselves
So, what jobs do homeowners feel confident about? Whether it’s mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, or pulling weeds, 76% are happy to tackle overgrown gardens. While maintaining a tidy outdoor space takes work, these types of tasks are largely about time and effort rather than technical skill. Next up is peeling paint or wallpaper (72%), another task where the mistakes are rarely disastrous, merely messy and time consuming. Achieving a professional-looking finish takes a lot of patience, but most people can use a wallpaper scraper or steamer without much risk.
Similarly, 68% of respondents reported that a clogged or slow-draining sink is a DIY-friendly job. These fixes are all relatively low stakes, meaning that even if things go wrong, the consequences are minor and can be easily fixed with either a quick Google search or a call to a professional.
The tasks that homeowners won’t attempt themselves
At the other end of the spectrum, Brits are far less confident when it comes to repairs that involve safety risks or require specialist knowledge. Unsurprisingly, roof damage (74%) takes the top spot for jobs that people won’t attempt themselves, and for good reason. Working at a height is inherently dangerous and without the right training or appropriate safety precautions, a simple repair could lead to a serious injury.
Common household issues that the respondents steer cleared of was broken heating systems (72%) and faulty wiring (72%). An accidental misstep with electrics can lead to fires or electrocution, while tampering with a heating system could cause issues like carbon monoxide leaks or flooding.
So, while many are happy to roll up their sleeves when the stakes aren’t high, it’s when safety, complexity, or specialist tools come into play that DIY confidence plummets. Without tradespeople to step in, these high-risk repairs would be left unattended, potentially turning small problems into major hazards.
Can you recall any DIY attempts that you have had to fix?
Fixing DIY attempts gone wrong is all part of the job, according to Barnett, who highlights some of the most dangerous DIY disasters he’s been called in to fix. “I’ve been called to jobs where new homeowners have discovered dangerous DIY work. For example, I’ve seen unsupported chimney stacks where the lower portion has been removed without lintels to support the upper stack. I’ve also encountered electrical installations that don’t meet safety standards, requiring urgent repairs.”
The never-ending to-do list: how homeowners prioritise our jobs
While not all home repairs demand an owner’s immediate attention, if several things needs fixing at once, it can be a tricky decision in itself to decide what gets done first.
It’s no surprise that the biggest motivator for home repairs is health and safety concerns. Issues like mould, faulty wiring, and structural damage pose real dangers, and nearly half (44%) of Brits prioritise anything that would put them or their families at risk.
However, time and money also play a significant role in deciding what to fix first. If a problem looks like a quick fix, homeowners are more likely to tackle it straight away, with 33% of respondents saying ease of repair is something they consider. A loose door handle or a clogged sink might not be urgent, but it is annoying, and since they’re simple jobs, they usually get ticked off the to-do list before more time consuming or complex repairs. However, at the same time, the cost of delaying the job (33%) also plays a big part. Not fixing it straight away can have a knock-on effect – jobs like a leaky roof or water damage will only get worse (and more expensive) if they’re ignored.
Why homeowners put off repairs
Delaying a household repair is not uncommon, and our survey revealed a number of reasons why homeowners choose to put fixes off.
Top of the list was the high cost of hiring a tradesperson, cited by nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents. The same percentage (23%) reported that difficulty finding a trustworthy tradesperson was the main reason for putting off repairs, whilst nearly one in five (19%) advised it was purely down to the waiting time of an available tradesperson to take the job.
These three issues are only likely to get worse if the skills gap in the trades sector continues to widen – meaning delays to household repairs become a normality.
The price of DIY confidence: how long (and how much) it takes to fix DIY-disasters
DIY confidence isn’t just about pride; it has real financial implications that can cost more money in the long run. We asked homeowners who had experienced a DIY disaster how much it had cost to hire a tradesperson to put their mistake right, and how long they had to wait for that tradesperson to be available.
Plymouth topped the list of the longest wait times for a tradesperson to be available to fix an issue, reporting a 10 day wait. Nottingham and Sheffield were next, with a 9 day wait, followed by Glasgow with an 8 day wait.
With regard to the average amount to fix a DIY fail, Brighton topped the list at £351.82, followed by Edinburgh (£344.67) and Nottingham in third place (£272.39).
The mix of locations reporting long wait times and high repair costs are spread throughout the UK, underlining that the shortage of tradespeople is apparent throughout the country and not a localised problem for one region.
What do you think are the main reasons behind the shortage of tradespeople in the UK?
Barnett believes a key factor behind the shortage of tradespeople is the shift towards subcontracting, where businesses prioritise profits over training new talent. “I believe the shortage of tradespeople in the UK is due to a lack of investment in apprenticeships and training. Over time, the industry has shifted towards subcontractors, who are often focused on profit and reluctant to take on young apprentices. Additionally, many young people are encouraged to pursue university rather than vocational training. Schools should play a greater role in promoting apprenticeships as a viable and valuable career path.”
*Survey data was collected using Censuswide, the audience consisting of 1,187 UK homeowners (aged 25+) and was conducted between 24.12.2024 - 27.12.2024
Summary
With DIY confidence varying across the UK, skilled tradespeople remain essential in keeping homes safe and functional. However, the data suggests that there needs to be an increase in new starters entering the industry, in all levels from construction management through to key on-on-the-ground trades like bricklayers, plastering and plumbing. If the number of tradespeople continues to decline, homeowners may find themselves in a tough position – forced to either develop their own DIY skills, or risk living with unresolved household issues that will make life inevitably harder.
For those in the trade, protecting your livelihood is just as important as the services you provide to your customers. Trades insurance can provide all important peace of mind and security, ensuring that you can continue to work without unexpected financial setbacks. Whether its sole trader public liability insurance to cover claims, self-employed insurance for financial protection, or tool insurance to safeguard your essential equipment, the right coverage ensures you can focus on doing what you do best – keeping homes in working order.
Expert Bio
Kevin Barnett, Builder and Site Manager, Retired
With a strong foundation in carpentry and joinery, I began my career with a three-year apprenticeship, followed by a two-year BTEC in Building Management. I then spent five years as a site manager for a national building firm, overseeing projects from start to finish. Since then, I've been self-employed as a builder and carpenter, taking on everything from small renovations to complete house builds—from greenfield sites to full completion. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, I take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship and reliable service.
Methodology
Apprentice data was collected from the Department of Education.
Publication: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2023/24
Subjects - Starts, Achievements, Enrolments by Age, Sex, Ethnicity, LLDD, SSA, Detailed level, Standard-framework name and code' for Architect (Integrated Degree) (ST0533), Architectural Assistant (Integrated Degree) (ST0534), Bricklayer (ST0095), Building Control Surveyor (Integrated Degree) (ST0652), Building Services Design Engineer (Degree) (ST0372) and 75 other filters in England between 2018/19 and 2023/24
Data table can be viewed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/741e3d88-14dc-4b1f-33f5-08dd1b6794bf
Footnotes:
- Figures for all years are final and cover all four quarters (Aug to July).
- There are a small number of starts on frameworks that have been reported in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24. All remaining apprenticeship frameworks were withdrawn to new learners on 31 July 2020. Learners who started on frameworks are where it has been agreed a learner can return to a previous framework they have been on after an extensive break.
- Total starts are the count of apprenticeships started at any point during the stated academic period. Learners starting more than one Apprenticeship will appear more than once.
Publication: Apprenticeships and traineeships, Academic year 2022/23
Data table can be viewed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/ffb839d4-c285-4b37-6220-08dd1b6a61d0
'Geography Region and LAD - Starts, Achievements by Sex, Level, Ethnicity, SSA' for Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, Female and Male in East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West and 5 other locations for 2022/23
Footnotes:
- Volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 and 'low' indicates a base value of fewer than
- Where data shows 'x' this indicates data is unavailable, 'z' indicates data is not applicable, and 'c' indicates data is suppressed.
- Total starts are the count of apprenticeships started at any point during the stated academic period. Learners starting more than one Apprenticeship will appear more than once.
- Total achievements are the count of Apprenticeships achieved at any point during the stated academic period. Learners achieving more than one Apprenticeship will appear more than once.
- Learner characteristics (such as sex, learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ethnicity) are based upon self-declaration by the learner.
- Geography is based upon the home postcode of the learner. Where the postcode is outside of England or not known it is included in the 'Outside of England and unknown' category.
- Geographies are taken from the National Statistics Postcode Lookup.Publication: Apprenticeships, Academic year 2023/24
Data table can be viewed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/b7d21c86-9520-47d3-6221-08dd1b6a61d0
Geography Region and LAD - Starts, Achievements by Sex, Level, Ethnicity, SSA' for Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, Female and Male in East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West and 5 other locations for 2023/24
Footnotes:
- Figures for all years are final and cover all four quarters (Aug to July).
- Total achievements are the count of Apprenticeships achieved at any point during the stated academic period. Learners achieving more than one Apprenticeship will appear more than once.
- Total starts are the count of apprenticeships started at any point during the stated academic period. Learners starting more than one Apprenticeship will appear more than once.
Scotland’s construction apprenticeship data:
https://www.scottishconstructiondata.org/modern-apprenticeships
Wales construction apprenticeship data:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Survey data was collected using Censuswide, the audience consisting of 1,187 UK homeowners (aged 25+) and was conducted between 24.12.2024 - 27.12.2024