A recent survey conducted by The IPG during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 has revealed valuable insights into the trade sector’s relationship with apprenticeships.

Gathering responses from 70 tradespeople across various professions, the findings explore both the challenges of hiring apprentices and the benefits they bring to businesses.

Key Findings at a Glance

Apprenticeship Hiring:

The results showed that 43% of tradespeople surveyed have hired an apprentice, with an impressive 63% being in the plumbing and heating trade. 

Biggest Barriers:

• 40% identified “finding the right candidate” as the primary barrier.
• 30% highlighted concerns around “cost and funding.”
• Other barriers included “time needed for training” (11%), “lack of internal resources” (10%), and specific regional challenges.

Top Benefits:

A striking 85% of respondents agreed that apprenticeships are key to “building a future workforce.”
10% saw “lower staffing costs” as a benefit, and 3% believed that apprentices bring “fresh ideas.”
One respondent emphasised that apprentices bring “humility, an eagerness to learn, and a willingness that can boost productivity.”

Diving Deeper into the Challenges

While 30 tradespeople (43%) reported having hired apprentices, the survey highlights a significant portion (57%) who have not. Reasons for this vary, with some citing structural barriers and others pointing to personal circumstances.

One respondent based in Norfolk commented:

“The biggest barrier for me is the lack of training opportunities available in my city. Without local support, it’s difficult to bring apprentices into my business.”

Another respondent from Banbury shared a more personal perspective:

“I’m simply not busy enough to afford to hire an apprentice. The nature of my work doesn’t currently allow me to take someone on and train them effectively.”

For those who do hire apprentices, many identified the lack of resources or time for training as a challenge. Independent businesses and solo tradespeople face unique pressures that make apprenticeship schemes less accessible.

The Positives: Apprentices as an Investment in the Future

Despite these challenges, the overwhelming response from tradespeople is that apprenticeships are crucial to building a sustainable workforce. The 85% consensus on this point reflects a deep understanding of an apprentice’s value in addressing the UK’s skills gap.

For some, apprenticeships also bring broader business benefits. One respondent noted:

“Apprentices not only contribute to building a future workforce, but they also bring humility, eagerness to learn, and a willingness that can increase productivity. That kind of energy can be a game-changer for any team.”

Opportunities for Improvement

The survey’s findings highlight several actionable opportunities to support the trades sector in hiring apprentices:

• Improve Candidate Matching: With 40% of respondents citing difficulty in finding the right candidates, there’s a clear need for enhanced collaboration between schools, colleges, and businesses that could help bridge this gap. 
• Increase Regional Training Access: One respondent pointed out that limited local training opportunities hinder apprenticeship uptake in certain areas. Addressing regional disparities in apprenticeship training can unlock opportunities for more tradespeople. 
• Boost Funding Awareness: Cost and funding challenges remain a significant barrier for 30% of respondents. Providing better guidance on available funding options and employer incentives could alleviate this concern, especially for sole traders and independent businesses.

Building a Pathway for Apprenticeships

The findings of The IPG’s survey are both a wake-up call and a source of optimism. While there are undeniable challenges – finding candidates, securing funding, and managing training – there is also a shared belief in the value apprenticeships bring to the industry. By working collaboratively to address these barriers, the trade sector can build a stronger future, one apprentice at a time.

The IPG empowers independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms in every aspect of sales and marketing, providing businesses with the tools and expertise needed to stand tall against larger competitors. Find your nearest store here: www.the-ipg.co.uk/stores