New MacBlair research highlights strong interest in trade careers and the importance of making apprenticeship pathways accessible to all young people.
Nine in ten (93%) young adults in Northern Ireland would consider joining a family business and 96% would feel proud to continue it, according to new research from MacBlair, one of Northern Ireland's leading builders' merchants.
The research, conducted among 100 young adults aged 16 to 24 and 50 tradespeople, highlights the important role family connections continue to play in introducing the next generation to careers in the trades, while revealing a need to make apprenticeship pathways clearer and more accessible to young people regardless of their family background.
The findings suggest family members can play an important role in giving young people early exposure to skilled careers. Nearly three quarters (71%) of young adults surveyed have a family member who currently works or previously worked in a trade. Over half (54%) have spent time on a building site or in a trade-related workplace through a family connection, while 47% have been offered the opportunity to learn trade skills informally through a relative.
For young adults, the biggest perceived benefit of working in a family business is job security and stability cited buy 37%, while tradespeople are most likely to value the trust that come with working alongside family.
However, the research also highlights the importance of ensuring young people can explore careers in the trades regardless of whether they have an existing family connection to the industry. Three-quarters (76%) believe apprenticeships are easier to access for those who already have family working in the trades.
While there is an awareness of apprenticeships among young people, there is an opportunity to provide greater clarity around how to take the first step. More than two in five (42%) say they are aware of apprenticeships but don't know where to begin, while only a third (31%) know how to apply for one.
Alan Wright, Managing Director at MacBlair, said: "It's really positive to see so many young people in Northern Ireland considering a future in the trades. Family connections have always played an important role in passing down skills and introducing the next generation to the industry, and there is a real sense of pride in continuing that tradition.
But there are opportunities for young people from every background to build a successful career in the industry. Apprenticeships give people the chance to learn practical experience, gain valuable experience and earn while they learn, providing a strong foundation for a rewarding career. As an industry, we need to keep showcasing the opportunities available and give young people the information and encouragement they need to explore a career in the sector."
