Earning a good wage in a stable job that they enjoy is something many people in the UK strive for. Economic uncertainty and rising costs have forced many larger organisations to cut staff through redundancies and reduce recruitment.
What is happening in the UK labour market?
Recent reports from the Office for National Statistics show that there are fewer jobs being advertised in the UK. The number has fallen to 707,000 vacancies for March to May 2026.
With fewer jobs available to apply for and hundreds of applicants for each role, it is becoming harder and harder to get hired. Employers are also becoming increasingly reluctant to hire or take a risk on new employees.
Annually, the number of payrolled employees has gone down by 119,000, with employers preferring the lower risk of temporary or contracted workers.
What opportunities are there in the jobs market?
While the overall picture for the UK jobs market isn’t rosy, there are some areas which provide opportunities for the right people with the right training.
Checkatrade, one of the UK’s biggest registers of tradespeople, reported a “critical shortage of skilled tradespeople” in its 2024 survey.
Produced with Capital Economics, the report also highlighted a predicted shortfall of 1.3 million skilled tradespeople and 350,000 apprentices.
With the demand for home improvements and repairs expected to grow by 40% by 2034, it means a lot of work for trades. Government schemes for new housing and net zero plans would also struggle to keep up on schedule without these workers.
Why is there a shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK?
The shortage of skilled tradespeople in the UK is down to several factors and is present across all trades from construction to plumbing, plastering and electrical work.
- An ageing workforce, with many planning to retire from their trade in the coming years
- An overall skills deficit in trades
- A third of trade apprentices not completing their training
- A shortage of new skills and upskilling of existing workers to keep up with net zero and electric vehicle demand
Among the trades where there is a shortage of skilled workers are certified electricians for domestic, commercial and industrial. That includes electrical fitters, technicians and installation electricians.
What can be done about the shortage of electricians?
Several approaches could be used to address the shortage of skilled electricians.
Apprenticeship recruitment
An increase in recruitment to apprenticeships could help increase the number of skilled electricians in the future. Government schemes can offer businesses financial support and subsidies to offset training costs for apprenticeships.
Local and industry-led partnerships
Partnerships between industry leaders alongside local and regional authorities can promote and work toward plugging the skills deficit. For example, the Electrical Contractors Association began Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances (ETCAs).
The aim is to connect training providers with local businesses with the support of local government to train, employ and develop the careers of new electricians.
Alternative career paths
Ideal for those considering a change in career but who don’t want to be apprenticed, a self-funded route to qualifications is an option. Courses for UK electrical certification aimed at beginners are available to get people started on their new career ladder.
Upskilling experienced electricians
Electricians who are already qualified and have a wealth of experience can benefit from additional training. This can include updated regulations or planning and installation of newer technologies, for example, EV chargers.
Additional training can be provided for electricians wanting to specialise in particular industrial sectors or complex and hazardous work.
With the market for qualified tradespeople not slowing down, it might be a good time to consider switching to a more stable and fulfilling career and get certified as an electrician.