A report by Skills Training Group has found that the number of roofers and roof tilers and slaters increased by 14.06% between 2004 and 2020, from 44,100 to 50,300.
The trade trends report 2021 analysed 16 years’ worth of data from the Office for National Statistics to assess the state of the UK workforce.
Commenting on the research and why young people may be the key to maintaining the trend for the roofing industry, Mark McShane, managing director at Skills Training Group, said: “For many industries, young people entering the workforce early in their careers means they can learn the craft and make it a long-term career – with many being business owners by the time they are 30.
“But, to encourage young people to make these choices, businesses in the industry need to engage with young people, sharing their success stories to encourage a new workforce.
“While many young people may enter a skilled trade through college and apprenticeships, a missed opportunity may be those that have opted to continue studying for A-levels. For these students, the general direction is to head off to university, so it’s no surprise that many may not have even considered a career in specific trades – this is where recruitment outside of the usual routes can prove fruitful.
“Communication and marketing needs to be a big part of each of the different industry’s goals – young people will better engage with clear and smart communication. To attract and recruit new talent to the industry, its image needs to adapt as well. Companies and industries that make noise, engage with social media and shout about what makes their trades great will see the tide change in the amount of people wanting a job.”
However, the data also showed that between 2004 and 2020 some trades suffered.
The number of steel erectors fell by 92.65%, with bricklayers and masons and carpenters and joiners falling by 82.48% and 52.65%, respectively.
