Plumbers invest in apprenticeships to plug skills gap

UK plumbers are investing in apprenticeships due to the escalating skills gap, new research by Bristan has revealed.

Nearly two-thirds (60%) stated that they currently have apprentices on their workforce, according to a survey among Bristan Connect installers.

Marketing manager at Bristan, Hayley Holland, said: “It is great to see so many installers willing to invest in the younger generation. Apprenticeships can make industries more effective, productive and competitive by addressing the skills gap directly. They are the proven way to train the workforce of the future.”

Half of those surveyed felt strongly that apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the industry and a third viewed it as vital to plugging the current skills gap.

Research from Manpower found that in 2014/15 Britain was facing the biggest skills shortage for a generation in all areas of construction, from plumbers and builders to engineers. While WaterSafe estimated that cowboy plumbers alone were costing the UK £2.6 billion (2014).

The Bristan research showed that this remains a key concern for installers with nearly 60% admitting that the skills gap is a worry and that the industry needs new entrants.

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