A quarter of tradespeople plan to retire in the next five years: report

​​​​​​​Less than half of young people surveyed expressed interest in pursuing a career in the trades

The UK is facing a growing trade skills shortage, with one in four tradespeople planning to retire within the next five years, according to Screwfix's 2025 Voice of the Trade report.

With the UK already facing a shortfall of 250,000 tradespeople by 2030, the report highlights the increasingly urgent need for government action to address the growing skills gap, which will be key to delivering several national priorities, including the pledge to build 1.5 million new homes and retrofit over 15 million properties to meet energy efficiency standards.

The report, based on insights from 700 trade professionals, reveals a sector under pressure. With just 24% of tradespeople under the age of 44, the talent pipeline is declining, and small businesses are struggling to recruit and train the next generation.

To address these challenges, Screwfix's Voice of the Trade report outlines five key actions tradespeople want to see from policymakers:

Incentivise Apprenticeships: Provide direct grants to help SMEs and sole traders train apprentices to full qualification, creating a robust talent pipeline.

Flexible Apprenticeship Models: Encourage flexi-apprenticeship schemes that allow trades to share apprentices and ensure colleges support apprentices to complete their courses.

Encourage Trade Careers: The education system should champion the trades as fulfilling careers, including financial support for apprentices that matches university pathways.

Upskilling on Trades' Terms: Push training providers to offer courses at times that suit tradespeople's schedules.

Support Small Businesses: Simplify VAT and accounting processes and streamline professional accreditation to reduce administrative burdens.

Despite the barriers, 64% of tradespeople who had employed an apprentice last year would like to do so again. In comparison, 46% of young people surveyed expressed interest in pursuing a career in the trades.