The construction and trade sectors are seeing a significant shift in interest, especially among Gen Z, with many young people viewing a career in trades as not just a job, but a savvy business opportunity.

New insights from B&Q reveal that 39% of young tradespeople chose the profession due to its promising career prospects. Alongside this, 30% see the trade as a platform to channel their entrepreneurial spirit and potentially start their own business. This shift in mindset signals a new wave of tradespeople who view their work not just as a craft but as an exciting, long-term business venture.

Despite this growing interest, there is an underlying concern that fewer young people are entering the workforce, primarily due to a lack of apprenticeship opportunities, especially within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Research indicates that 17% of Gen Z are involved in the trade in some capacity, with many even pursuing it as a side hustle. However, a significant 47% of young people have not considered a career in trade, pointing to a lack of awareness about the sector’s vast potential.

A New Generation of Tradespeople: Higher Education Meets Skilled Work

One of the most notable trends revealed by B&Q’s insights is the high level of education among Gen Z tradespeople. A remarkable 44% of young tradespeople hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education qualification, making this career path one that attracts university graduates looking for a rewarding career outside traditional office-based roles. This figure stands in stark contrast to only 12% of Baby Boomers in the sector who possess a degree, highlighting the evolving nature of the trade profession. University graduates now see trade careers as ambitious, fulfilling, and financially rewarding, defying the traditional view that skilled trades are for those without formal higher education.

However, while these positive developments are encouraging, there is still a significant gap that needs to be addressed. As the trade industry adapts to the changing landscape, the need to recruit and retain young talent has become more urgent. With nearly half of young people not considering a trade career, efforts must be made to raise awareness about the exciting prospects within the sector and ensure that apprenticeships are a viable route for those interested in learning the craft.

*B&Q has donated over £1 million since 2025 to support smaller businesses in recruiting and training apprentices through its ‘Transfer to Transform’ initiative.*

Apprenticeships: The Key to Future Success

The apprenticeship route has long been a cornerstone of the trade sector, but recent data points to a worrying trend: the number of available apprenticeship positions has declined significantly, especially within SMEs. Over half of tradespeople (52%) agree that the lack of apprenticeship opportunities is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. As a result, recruitment and training efforts are severely hindered, leaving the industry in need of a skilled workforce.

B&Q is taking steps to tackle this issue, having donated over £1 million since 2025 to support smaller businesses in recruiting and training apprentices through its ‘Transfer to Transform’ initiative. The company is also working with TradePoint UK on campaigns such as ‘Do the Lift Thing,’ which highlights the role of women in trade professions and encourages more young women to consider a career in the sector.

Women in Trades: Breaking Down Barriers

While the rise of women in the trades is a positive step, the path for women entering the sector remains challenging. A study found that only 57% of women believe the trade is welcoming to them, indicating a significant gap that needs to be addressed. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of tradespeople support initiatives to improve this disparity, such as a ‘return to work’ scheme aimed at increasing female participation in the industry.

John Morgan, Director of TradePoint UK, expressed his belief in the trade sector as a viable and rewarding career for young people, particularly in today’s uncertain job market. He encourages his children to explore trades as a career choice, pointing out that these fields offer stability, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and the chance to travel the world.

The Growing Need for Tradespeople

Despite the rising interest from Gen Z and university graduates, the sector faces a major challenge in meeting the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. Separate research by Kingfisher estimates that by 2030, the UK will need an additional 250,000 tradespeople, a figure calculated before the government's ambitious housebuilding plans were factored in. This shortage of skilled labour will have far-reaching implications, especially for sectors such as green energy, where skilled tradespeople are essential for the rollout of energy-efficient technologies in homes.

A significant 77% of tradespeople see the shortage of skilled labour as a critical issue for their business’s success. The solution, according to many in the industry, lies in expanding apprenticeship opportunities. However, despite the recognition that apprentices are vital to the future of the sector, only 18% of tradespeople have hired one, highlighting the gap between awareness and action.

A Call for Change

The trade sector is at a crossroads, with a promising influx of young, educated, and entrepreneurial-minded workers who could drive the industry forward. However, to truly future-proof the sector, the focus must be on improving apprenticeships, raising awareness of the trade profession, and ensuring that opportunities for women and underrepresented groups are expanded. With a concerted effort from both industry players and government bodies, the trade sector can evolve into a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable career path for the next generation.

B&Q’s investment in apprenticeship schemes and women-focused initiatives is a step in the right direction, but it will take the collective effort of all stakeholders to ensure that the trade industry can meet the growing demands of the future. Now is the time to invest in the workforce of tomorrow and secure a skilled, diverse, and resilient trade industry for years to come.

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