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 pipeline of talent is declining, and small businesses are struggling to recruit and train the next generation.

  • Five Key Actions for Government
    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, while 46% of young people surveyed expressed interest in pursuing a career in the trades.

John Mewett, CEO of Screwfix, commented: “Our 2025 Voice of the Trade report underscores the urgent need for action to support the UK’s tradespeople. The anticipated skills gap, driven by retirements and a shortage of people entering the trades, poses a significant threat to achieving national housing and Net Zero targets.

“To secure the future of the trade sector, it's essential to incentivise apprenticeships by offering direct grants that enable SMEs and sole traders to fully train apprentices, building a strong talent pipeline. Equally important is an education system that champions the trades as a respected and rewarding career, integrating hands-on learning in schools, comprehensive career guidance, and financial support for apprenticeships on par with university pathways.”

From shining a light on skilled tradespeople through its annual awards Screwfix Top Tradesperson and Screwfix Trade Apprentice, to funding the training aspect of Construction apprenticeships through a partnership with BESAS, a national collaboration of flexi-job apprenticeship agencies; Screwfix is committed to playing its part in championing trade skills.

-> Voice of the Trade report