TRAINING: APPRENTICESHIPS


FROM LEARNER TO WORKER A


Oliver Stanley investigates the retention crisis, and what the industry can do to bridge the gap between theory and practice.


ccording to a study conducted by City Plumbing, part of Highbourne Group, 78% of plumbers and heating installers believe that


apprenticeships are vital to encourage the next generation into plumbing and heating. These findings are part of the merchant’s ‘Taking the Temperature’ research, which surveyed 500 UK plumbers and heating installers. The study found that those who hire apprentices are largely motivated by experience and professional values. 41% say they enjoy training and mentoring new talent, while 37% previously completed an apprenticeship themselves and understand how valuable the route is. Another 37% say apprentices help their business grow.


The study highlighted that 74% of installers currently employ, or have previously employed, apprentices, but also pointed to a generational divide in apprentice hiring, with more than 80% of installers aged under 35 saying they work with or hire apprentices, compared with just half of those over 55.


Chief people officer at Highbourne Group, Rachel Baldwin, said: “These findings highlight that while apprenticeship policies and funding models will continue to evolve, what does not alter is the need for experienced tradespeople to bring new people into the industry. The long- term health of plumbing and heating depends on practical, workplace training and strong links between today’s installers and tomorrow’s workforce.”


Retention crisis


The ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ created by power tool accessories specialist DART Tool Group, also argued that less than half of people across trades in the building industry, are completing their apprenticeships.


Completion Rate 24/25


Engineering


Surveying, Design and Management Construction


Plumbing and Heating Manufacturing


30


38% 45%


19% 41% 21% 49%


helping to address the growing workforce shortage and gradually fill the positions needed to meet the ambitious housebuilding targets.”


Supporting apprentices through To help support apprentices as they enter the trades, companies across the industry have been improving their partnerships with key colleges nationwide to upskill the next generation of plumbing installers.


The report concluded that while job demand surges across construction, the apprenticeship system that should be feeding these trades is failing to deliver.


The research analysed data from the Department for Education, the Office of National Statistics (ONS), and job-board site Reed across UK trade sectors, revealing where the skills crisis is most severe and why training pathways are under strain.


Managing director at DART Tool Group, Ryan Paterson, commented: “The findings from our ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ have demonstrated that trades apprenticeships are facing a leaky pipeline. While the Government’s commitment to increasing the number of apprentices in the upcoming years is a step in the right direction, we also need to address the retention crisis and focus on the support and nurturing of our apprentices.


“The construction sector is facing a sharp decline in the number of young people completing apprenticeships, with 59% of construction apprentices dropping out of their course before completion. To bridge the gap between recruitment and qualification, there needs to be high-quality mentorship that equips learners with skills and confidence. “Apprentices should have the tools to be able to thrive and complete their apprenticeship,


Average apprenticeship completion rates across industries and top roles Trade


Completion Rate 23/24


Electrical


53% 50%


31% 65% 16% 55%


Completion Rate 22/23


90% 42%


32% 43% 15% 49%


Completion Rate 21/22


51% 33%


15% 20% 7%


39%


Arctic Hayes for example, is enabling colleges to include specialist pipe-freeze training in their curricula through live technical demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions, with students receiving a certificate of completion to enhance their qualifications.


Business development executive at Arctic Hayes, Niall McGuckin, explains: “We’re great believers in enhancing student learning and introducing new technologies and practices to them. It not only helps to pave their path to a promising career, but also adapt to ever changing industry trends and demands.” Northamptonshire-based Pro Tiler Tools, part of Topps Group, has also partnered with Leeds College of Building and South and City College Birmingham to support wall and floor tiling apprenticeships and encourage more young people to consider the trade as a viable, long- term career.


Director at Pro Tiler Tools, Sam Bucknall, comments: “We’re seeing a serious disconnect between demand and supply in the tiling trade. Our college collaboration is about investing in people and equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to build lasting careers.”


Through the partnership, Pro Tiler Tools is supporting colleges with tools, materials and curriculum input, while also using its industry reach to encourage employers to take on apprentices, reinvesting a significant proportion of its apprenticeship levy to reduce cost barriers for small businesses.


Apprentice numbers at partner colleges have already increased by nearly 80% year-on- year, with intakes growing in both Leeds and Birmingham and the first ever January intake now under consideration. Industry advocates say the model


demonstrates how closer collaboration between employers and education providers could help address skills shortages across construction. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026


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