A recent survey has revealed that in the last 12 months the UK has seen a 7% fall in the number of skilled tradespeople, with the plumping sector being the hardest hit.
According to figures published by Simply Business, an insurance company which compares business insurance, over the last four years the plumbing industry has taken the hardest knock, with a 25% decline in skilled traders. While Simply Business has attributed the UK’s current economic climate for the significant drop, notable figures in the plumbing industry, like Charlie Mullins from Plimco Plumbers, believes there’s more to it than just a depressed housing market.
Mullins has pinpointed a lack of training opportunities and says traditional skilled trades, including plumbers and electricians, have had to endure years of insufficient training which has no doubt impacted on the drop in the number of plumbers trading in the UK. According to the founder of Pimlico Plumbers while economic conditions have seen better days, it’s bigger than simply a recessionary issue. Mullins believes it’s also an educational issue which is responsible for the figures.
“Vocational training became seen as sub-standard and secondary to academic-led learning in the last 20 years. The idea that to have a good career everybody needs to go to university is responsible for this,” explains Mullins.
“For too long, we have been playing catch up, trying to get the numbers of skilled tradesmen back up to the level this country needs – but at the moment it’s been too little too late.”
Currently Pimlico have more than 30 vacancies for skilled and experienced plumbers but the company says it can be challenging to find individuals with the right skills and experience.
If you need the services of a skilled and experienced plumber Builder Guide can help by sourcing up to three free quotes. It’s just one of the recommendations on our check list for employing a plumber. Read our top tips to help you choose a plumber article for more information.
