Report: 106 Jobs Competing for Every Trade Apprenticeship Place in the UK
What happened
New research from the DART Tool Group has found that 106 jobs are competing for every trade apprenticeship opening in the UK — confirming that demand for skilled tradespeople is dramatically outpacing the supply of new entrants.
The study, reported by Installer Online, analysed job vacancy and apprenticeship data across UK trades. The electrical sector is under the most pressure, with 227 job vacancies for every apprenticeship place available. Welding followed closely behind.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence. CITB forecasts that UK construction needs 41,200 extra workers per year through 2030. Checkatrade's Trade Skills Index estimates the sector needs 1.3 million new skilled workers and 350,000 apprentices over the next decade. And Screwfix's 2025 Voice of the Trade report found one in four tradespeople plan to retire within five years.
Meanwhile, Department for Education figures show roughly 170,000 fewer apprenticeship starts in 2024 than a decade earlier, with rising training costs partly to blame — the apprentice National Living Wage has increased from £6/hour in 2023 to £10/hour in 2025.
What this means for tradespeople
The skills shortage is a double-edged sword. On one side, it means less competition for work — if you're qualified and available, customers need you more than ever. On the other, it makes it harder to find reliable subcontractors, take on apprentices yourself, or grow your business.
For established tradespeople, this is an opportunity to stand out. When there are 227 electrical jobs chasing every new apprentice, homeowners are competing for your time, not the other way round. The tradespeople who make themselves easy to find — with a strong Google profile, recent reviews, and a professional online presence — will win the best-paying, most reliable work.
For electricians in particular, the 227:1 ratio signals extraordinary demand. If you're an electrician with a solid review profile, you're in one of the strongest market positions of any UK trade right now.
What to do about it
- Make yourself easy to find. When demand outstrips supply, the tradesperson who appears first on Google wins the best jobs. Keep your Google Business Profile updated with recent photos and accurate service areas.
- Let your reviews do the selling. In a seller's market, customers are comparing the tradespeople who show up. A strong review profile — recent, detailed, with personal replies — is what tips the decision.
- Consider taking on an apprentice. With 170,000 fewer starts than a decade ago, the industry needs employers willing to train. Government funding covers most of the cost for small businesses.
Source: Installer Online / DART Tool Group