The UK construction and home improvement sector faces an unprecedented challenge. According to the GetBuilder UK Trade Skills Index, the construction industry must recruit and train over 1 million new workers by 2030 to meet the government's ambitious housing build targets, upgrade public infrastructure, and retro-fit millions of homes to satisfy net-zero carbon goals.
The index, compiled by our market research division using platform data and industry surveys, highlights a widening skills gap caused by an aging workforce and a decline in young people entering the trades. Here, we outline the key statistics from the report and discuss the path forward.
Key findings: The scale of the trade shortage
- The Aging Workforce: Over 35% of active tradespeople in the UK are currently over the age of 50. As this generation retires, the industry is losing valuable experience and knowledge, with not enough young apprentices entering to replace them.
- Annual Apprentice Target: To close the skills gap, the UK must train at least 25,000 new apprentices annually—a 40% increase over current training rates.
- Vacancies by Trade: The report identifies the specific sectors facing the highest vacancy rates:
- Carpentry & Joinery: Represents 22% of all active trade vacancies.
- Plumbing & Gas Heating: Represents 18% of vacancies.
- Bricklaying & Plastering: Represents 15% of vacancies.
| Trade Sector | Active UK Vacancies (2025/2026) | Estimated Shortfall by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry & Timber Framing | 35,000 vacancies | 110,000 workers |
| Plumbing, HVAC & Gas Safe | 28,000 vacancies | 85,000 workers |
| Bricklaying & Masonry | 22,000 vacancies | 70,000 workers |
| Electrical Installations | 18,000 vacancies | 60,000 workers |
The driving forces behind the demand
The trade shortage is driven by two main factors:
- New Housing Targets: The UK needs to construct 300,000 new homes annually to address the housing shortage. This level of building requires a massive expansion of bricklayers, roofers, and carpenters.
- The Green Home Retrofit: To meet climate targets, millions of existing homes must be retrofitted with cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, double glazing, and modern heat pumps, creating massive demand for energy-efficiency specialists.
What GetBuilder is doing: The 'Get In' campaign
To help address this crisis, GetBuilder has launched the 'Get In' Apprenticeship Programme. Partnering with trade colleges and local construction firms, we are investing £500,000 to fund placements, connect young people with experienced mentors, and subsidize tool starter kits for new apprentices.
By matching homeowners with certified professionals, we are also ensuring that local tradespeople can run stable, profitable businesses, making the trades a highly attractive, high-income career choice for the next generation.
Connect with vetted professionals on GetBuilder
Despite industry-wide shortages, GetBuilder connects you with vetted, insured local professionals in seconds. Avoid the risk of uncertified work and budget safely:
- Post your project details: Detail your building, plumbing, or electrical requirements for free on GetBuilder.
- Compare trade profiles: Match with local builders checked for active certifications and verified customer reviews.
- Compare transparent quotes: Receive up to three written quotes with no success fees or hidden charges.
