Which? Trusted Traders has launched an innovative new scheme to combat the trade sector skills shortage that threatens the UK’s ambitious house-building targets.
The partnership with Access Training will offer vital placements to newly-qualified tradespeople – helping them gain the real-world experience that can be a barrier to entering the workforce.
Through the partnership, Access Training graduates will be matched with vetted members of the Which? Trusted Traders scheme to complete a four to six-week placement, helping them gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, and improve their employability.
There is a growing shortage of skilled workers in the UK trades sector. In the construction sector alone, research found that 76% of construction firms report difficulty recruiting(1), with an estimated 33,000 current vacancies(2). These figures present a challenge for the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, amid predictions that around 239,000 further additional workers will be required for that task alone(3).
The UK needs a strong pipeline of skilled workers. If the current trend continues, there will not be enough tradespeople in the industry to meet the demand for new housing, or to maintain existing homes and essential services like plumbing and gas repair.
During the placement, students will support, shadow, and learn from experienced Which? Trusted Traders. Work will vary by trade and may include tasks such as first and second fix installations and basic fault-finding for electricians; pipework installation and boiler swaps for gas engineers; and leak detection, bathroom fitting, and sanitaryware installation for plumbers, all done under supervision.
The partnership isn’t just about training the next generation of traders. Which? Trusted Traders and Access Training are passionate about fostering ongoing development and training, therefore businesses that take on a student will be given a £500 training credit with Access Training to upskill a member of their team.
Amy Mitchell, Head of B2B Traders at Which? comments “Which? Trusted Traders is committed to supporting high-standards in the industry, and that means helping to bring through the next generation of workers. This partnership with Access Training will connect newly qualified tradespeople with experienced and rigorously assessed businesses, helping ensure that quality, reliability, and skill remain at the heart of the UK trade workforce now and in the future.”
Jamie Jefferies, Managing Director at Access Training comments “At Access Training we are delighted to be partnering with Which? Trusted Traders on this important initiative. We share a common goal, not only to help provide the next generation of tradespeople with high-level, hands-on experience in the trades, but to launch a project that actively tackles the skills shortage. This partnership is about more than just training, it’s about addressing the shortage by creating real pathways into the UK trade industry.”
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