In the May 2017 edition of HVP magazine, the national training manager at Baxi talks about the skills shortage that is facing the construction industry and says that it is their responsibility to provide training and guidance to the heating engineers of the future.
A recent Employer Skills Survey has suggested there are not enough skilled professionals to meet demand in the UK. In fact, there is a shortage of 43% in the trade industries, with over a third of vacancies for gas engineers, plumbers, electricians and construction workers termed as 'skill shortage vacancies.'
It is therefore vital for the trade community to work together to attract young people into the industry and provide adequate training to ensure there are no gaps in the future workforce.
Addressing the problem with a series of practical, hands-on opportunities is the most suitable option, as it allows students to be taught highly specific skills, thus making them invaluable to the growth of the industry as a whole.
The only way to close the skills gap is to inspire young people to join the industry.
The end goal is to not only invest in the heating engineers of tomorrow but to inspire others as well. The sooner the skills gap can be addressed and overcome, the better the prospects will be for our country as a whole.
This article first appeared in the May 2017 edition of the HVP Magazine.
