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“It’s hard to build back better
Richard Harpin
when you don’t have any builders.”
ABOUT TRADE-UP
The UK’s adult workforce is an untapped resource. Trade-Up is designed to unlock that potential by encouraging professionals who are seeking a career change to become a tradesperson. It’s also aimed at those interested in upskilling into a new specialism with better flexibility, job satisfaction and earning potential.
WHO POWERS TRADE-UP?
Trade-Up is a not-for-profit campaign run by HomeServe and Checkatrade, in partnership with the country’s top training providers. Trade-Up’s partners are all funding members, sharing the overall vision with a stake in its success. The campaign is chaired by Richard Harpin, CEO and founder of HomeServe.
WHY IS SOMETHING LIKE THIS NEEDED?
It’s well known that the UK faces a shortage of skilled workers across many parts of the economy. Construction and trades careers are no different. According to a 2022 report by Capital Economics, one million new workers are now needed by 2030 to meet growing demand.
It’s now more important than ever to work towards this target. One-third of those working in construction and trades are now aged over 50. Meanwhile, over 191,000 skilled workers from the EU left the UK between 2019-2020. Even with 32,000 new entrants entering the industry each year, there is still a shortfall of 13,000 workers. This figure will continue to grow without a concerted effort, putting economic growth, housing and long-term climate targets like net zero at risk.
WHO ARE THE TRAINING PROVIDERS INVOLVED WITH TRADE-UP?
Trade-Up’s credible, experienced partners are helping to shape a community that empowers dream-makers. An advocate for adult learners, Trade-Up is the support arm connecting individuals to seasoned industry experts.Covering 5 different specialisms, partners include:
The campaign is supported by Certsure, HomeServe and Checkatrade as contributing members. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is also involved, providing Trade-Up with expert insight and direction.
WHAT DOES TRADE-UP AIM TO ACHIEVE?
Through collective power, Trade-Up aims to secure a more sustainable future for the construction and trades industry. Learning something new doesn’t need to be difficult – even when someone is at a later stage of their career. As such, this campaign aims to grow awareness of the opportunities on offer through trade careers, while doubling the output of today’s providers by retraining an extra 10,000 adult learners each year.
WHY THE FOCUS ON ADULT LEARNERS?
Apprentices are an important part of the industry, but retrained, skilled adults enter the market faster and have a higher success rate. For example, 95% of adults successfully complete retraining, while only 55% of apprentices complete their course after leaving full-time education. These figures are significant if the skills gap is to be managed effectively.
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