Across the UK, the mechanical, plumbing and pipework sectors, from plumbing and gas engineering to welding and HVAC, are confronting a serious labour crisis.
The scale of the shortage
There are over 140,000 unfilled vacancies across UK construction and the trades. The industry faces a projected shortfall of 59,000 plumbers and heating engineers by 2026, and an estimated 41,600 new plumbing recruits will be needed by 2032/33.
An ageing workforce
Around 35% of construction trade workers are over 50, compared with only 20% under 30, and some 750,000 workers are expected to retire by 2036. With too few new entrants replacing retirees, the demographic imbalance compounds the problem year on year.
Why it's happening
Declining apprenticeship uptake and a perception problem that discourages young people from pursuing a career in the trades are at the root of the shortage.
What it means
Project delays, cost inflation, bottlenecks in the green transition and wage pressure in a competitive labour market all pose real risks to infrastructure, housing and net-zero goals.
What needs to change
Greater investment in apprenticeships, diversifying the workforce, mentorship from retiring workers to new entrants, stronger partnerships between employers and training providers, and better marketing of trade career pathways.