REPAIR & ASSURE Advertorial
May 2025
ertonline.co.uk
12
Bridging the SkiBridging the Skills Gap:lls Gap: Why the UK Needs Mor
Why the UK Needs More Repair Engineers
Repair Engineers
cross the UK, a silent crisis is growing, and it’s not just about broken appliances. It’s about the shrinking number of skilled professionals available to fix them. As the demand for appliance repair services rises, the supply of qualified engineers is struggling to keep up. This widening gap is not just an operational headache for service providers; it’s a national workforce challenge that affects sustainability, cost of living, and the reliability of essential home services. So, what’s behind this skills gap, and why is now the time to invest in the next generation of repair engineers?
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A Growing Demand for Repairs More UK households are waking up to the value of repair. With rising energy bills, increasing costs of new appliances, and a heightened awareness of sustainability, many people are choosing to fix rather than replace.
The UK appliance repair industry is experiencing a resurgence, fuelled by the Right to Repair legislation, the shift towards a circular economy, and public pressure to reduce electronic waste. But while demand is growing, the talent pipeline is not. Many appliance repair companies are reporting a shortage of skilled engineers, with some regions experiencing delays of days, or even weeks for routine service appointments. For time sensitive issues like broken fridges or faulty ovens, this isn’t just inconvenient. It’s disruptive to daily life.
An Ageing Workforce and a Missing Generation One of the biggest factors driving the skills gap is retirement. A significant portion of the UK’s appliance repair workforce is over the age of 50, and
as these professionals leave the industry, there aren’t enough new recruits coming in to replace them. Younger generations have increasingly moved away from skilled trades in favour of office-based, tech- focused careers. Apprenticeships in sectors like appliance repair, plumbing, and electrical engineering have declined over the last two decades, a trend that’s left a noticeable void. This gap isn’t just about numbers. It’s about lost knowledge and practical expertise, the kind you can’t learn from a book but only through years of hands-on experience.
Why Repair Engineering Matters More Than Ever Appliance repair might not always grab headlines, but it’s a critical service that keeps the country running. From ensuring families have working cookers and washing machines, to helping vulnerable people stay safe and warm, repair engineers are part of the backbone of daily life. They also play a vital role in tackling climate change. Every repair that saves an appliance from landfill reduces carbon emissions and conserves valuable materials. In fact, repairing an appliance can cut its environmental impact by up to 80% compared to replacing it. Investing in repair skills is not just good for business, it’s good for society and the planet.
How We Can Bridge the Gap The solution isn’t simple, but it is clear, we need to inspire, train, and support a new generation of repair professionals. Here are some of the ways we can do that:
• Boost investment in apprenticeships through public and private partnerships.
• Modernise perceptions of skilled trades, showing young people that engineering careers are innovative, rewarding, and sustainable.
• Create pathways for career switchers, offering training to those looking for a hands-on, practical career with long term demand.
• Work with schools and colleges to integrate trade awareness into career advice programmes. At our company, we’ve committed to building a stronger pipeline by mentoring apprentices, investing in continuous training, and actively promoting repair as a future-proof career.
Closing the Gap, Fixing the Future The repair engineer is more than a tradesperson. They are a sustainability champion, a problem-solver, and a lifeline for many households. As the UK works toward a greener and more resilient future, closing the skills gap in appliance repair must be part of the plan. Now is the time to invest in people who fix not just machines, but everyday life.
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