The Plumbing Skills Shortage
Did you know the estimated shortage of trained and qualified plumbers stands at about 32,100?
This is a big problem that we face as a nation. A plumber provides a much needed service to society, but there simply are not enough of them to keep up with demand.
Unfortunately, this is not a problem that will go away; in fact it will get worse. Have a look below at some of the reasons why the national shortage of plumbers will grow over the next 20 years:
- The average age of a plumber is quite high and this means that more are leaving the industry than joining it.
- Colleges do not have the capacity to train the yearly requirement of new plumbers.
- Colleges are estimated to have only about 3,000 trainee vacancies per annum of which, it has been estimated, only 50% finish the course and go on to work in the industry.
- Access to university is easier and more youngsters are opting to do a degree rather than learn a trade.
- Huge building developments such as Wembley Stadium, the Olympic Games and airports expanding are draining the pool of labour.
- Housing and new builds are at their highest level for over 100 years meaning more construction workers are needed.
The shortage of plumbers is not just limited to specific regions, its all across the UK.
North West
Estimated Shortage = 2,600
Yorkshire and Humber
Estimated Shortage = 2,550
East Midlands
Estimated Shortage = 2,500
Eastern
Estimated Shortage = 4,300
London
Estimated Shortage = 3,400
South West
Estimated Shortage = 3,000
North East
Estimated Shortage = 1,150
Scotland
Estimated Shortage = 2,000
West Midlands
Estimated Shortage = 3,000
Wales
Estimated Shortage = 1,500
South East
Estimated Shortage = 6,100
Total Estimated Shortage = 32,100
This is a problem that New Career Skills is trying to, continuously, tackle. The New Career Skills Plumbing Course is specifically aimed at mature career changers, giving them the skills they need to enter the plumbing industry.
Find out about the New Career Skills Plumbing Courses Here
