New research reveals the most in demand trades

As the UK construction industry continues to grow, predicted to hit £381bn revenue in 2023, new data has shown the key trades that are in the shortest supply.

Builders, electricians, and plumbers are currently the most in-demand tradespeople in the UK, with over 65,000 open vacancies on popular job sites.

There are over 140,000 job vacancies in construction trades overall, highlighting a nationwide skills shortage. With the UK expected to be the fastest growing larger construction market of the major Western European economies over
the next 15 years, this shortage is only predicted to get worse.

The research, conducted by the UK’s leading metal supplier,
metals4U reviewed job listings on Indeed, Totaljobs, and LinkedIn to
compare the most in-demand skills in the trades. Builders are by far the most in demand, while electricians and plumbers are also in short supply:

1.
Builders (52,113 vacancies)

2.
Electricians (12,005 vacancies)

3.
Plumbers (11,928 vacancies)

4.
Gas Engineer (9,873 vacancies)

5.
Flooring Contractor (7,812 vacancies)

6.
Painter (7,597 vacancies)

7.
Carpenter (6,997 vacancies)

8.
Window Cleaner (5,887 vacancies)

9.
Joiner (5,729 vacancies)

10.
Roofer (4,547 vacancies)

Firms employing plasterers, bricklayers, and tilers are having less trouble filling positions, with fewer than 2,000 listings for each trade across job sites.

The skills shortage is at an all-time high in the trade industry, and this is predicted to continue. A recent industry report revealed that 937,000 new workers will be needed in the construction and trade industries by 2032 to meet
the ever-growing demand. According to the Chief Executive of The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the industry is experiencing a serious skills shortage.

The study also revealed the trades most in-demand within different UK cities. Flooring contractors are high in-demand in London, while there is a shortage of gas engineers in Birmingham and Liverpool. Joiners are a highly sought
after trade in Edinburgh and Leeds.

Paul McFadyen, Chairman at metals4U, has shared his insight into what an industry-wide skills shortage could mean for the trade sector:

“Construction, building, and metal materials have been in heavy demand in the UK over the last few years, with increased development in residential and commercial properties. And the growing demand for builders and other tradespeople,
combined with a shortage of the right qualifications is causing major issues. A recent FMB State of Trade survey revealed that 60% of jobs are stalled due to labour shortages, and this is something expected to continue in the construction industry as more
houses need to be built.”

For more information on metals4U, as well as aluminium, mild and stainless steel and more construction materials, visit metals4u.co.uk