Tradesperson platform MyBuilder.com is calling on the Government to take action to help young people enter careers in the trades.

A recent survey from MyBuilder.com showed that many Brits were concerned about the skill shortage and would encourage their children to pursue- careers in trades.

In fact, the research showed that parents are recognising the opportunity in this industry, with 15% of parents stating they would like their children to be in a skilled trade – making this the most desirable choice over occupations such as doctors, dentists, or lawyers.

However, many felt that schools, colleges, and the Government were not doing enough to promote trades as a career choice. Research revealed that only one in ten (13%) students had been told about skilled trades as a potential career choice.

This is even though the UK is facing a nationwide trade skills shortage, predicted to cost the UK economy £98bn in missed GDP growth opportunities by 2030.

The Construction Products Association (CPA) reported that 2.08 million people were employed in UK construction in 2024 Q1, which is 1.9% lower than in 2023 Q4 and 14.3% lower (with 347,000 fewer workers) than at the recent peak in 2019.

The shortage affects not just existing homeowners who wish to repair, improve, or extend their homes but also the construction industry as it works to meet ambitious targets for building new homes.

The lack of encouragement to enter the trades is surprising, as not only does the UK desperately need more people working in the trades, but it can also provide a well-paid and reliable career.

Training on the job, no student debt, flexible working hours, and good rates of pay are just some of the benefits of a career in the trades—yet many young people are still not considering it as an option.

Andy Simms, a construction expert from MyBuilder.com, said that the Government must take action to encourage schools and colleges to promote trades as a career choice.

“We hear from many of our tradespeople that they knew about careers in the skilled trades because it was a family business or a friend had started training. However, few were told about it as an option at school – a travesty when there is a national shortage and finding work after education is challenging.

“Working in the trades is very rewarding and offers so many benefits. There’s no need to get into student debt as you can often get apprenticeships, and there’s so much opportunity to go self-employed or work flexible hours.”