Trade Link to help tradespeople support the future generation

Screwfix’s new dedicated hub Trade Link promotes promote the wealth of careers available in the trades, providing advice and support to tradespeople on how they can support the next generation.

It offers simple guidance on how to hire an apprentice, as well as explaining how tradespeople can support students aged 16-19 studying T–Levels, which require industry experience alongside classroom learning.

You can read case studies from fellow tradespeople about their experience and see how Screwfix is supporting the future of trades. The retailer has already funded 20 trade apprenticeships through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency TrAC.

A 2023 study by Screwfix parent company Kingfisher revealed that a looming shortfall of more than 250,000 qualified tradespeople by 2030 is on course to cost the country £98 billion in lost economic growth, with the biggest shortages set to be among electricians, plumbing and heating installers, and carpenters/joiners.

Screwfix CEO John Mewett says: “It’s vital that we work with the Department for Education, colleges, schools and our customers to promote careers in the trade to ensure there is a strong pipeline of young talent going into the industry. We know and understand the complexities of taking on apprentices and our customers can play a key role in protecting the future of the industry.

“We hope Trade Link is a valuable resource that provides a simple starting point for our customers who are looking to support the next generation of tradespeople.”