It’s commonly known that the UK is facing a growing crisis in the availability of skilled tradespeople, with the plumbing and heating sector feeling the strain.

At Gregor Heating & Renewables, we see first-hand the increasing demand for qualified professionals and the challenges in meeting that need. This unique situation has arisen mostly because of an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the trade, which could get worse because of the lower birth rates that are happening across the UK.

As a society, it’s vital to address this shortage to ensure the stability of our infrastructure and the continued comfort of homes and businesses across the country.

 

A Declining Workforce and Increasing Demand

The shortage of plumbers and heating engineers isn’t a new problem, it began in the 1980s, when traditional apprenticeships decreased due to deindustrialization and policy changes. It accelerated in the 1990s and 2000s, as the focus shifted to university education. Schools started to push University Education as the only way into a well-paid and successful career. This has led to many young people (and their parents) viewing trade careers as less prestigious compared to white-collar professions. There’s also a misconception about low wages, physically demanding work, and lack of career progression which discourages entry into skilled trades.

The problem now is becoming more acute. According to industry reports, nearly a third of UK tradespeople are over 50, meaning many will retire in the next 10-15 years and without enough young people stepping in, the gap between supply and demand is widening. This is further exacerbated by the increasing focus on energy efficiency and renewables, requiring specialists trained in modern heating solutions such as heat pumps and solar PV, thermal & Battery Storage systems.

Homeowners and businesses are already feeling the effects, with longer waiting times for installations, servicing, and repairs. In an era where reliable heating and plumbing are fundamental to daily life, this skills gap poses a real risk to the UK’s infrastructure and economy.

 

How will AI and Technology Change the Heating & Plumbing Industry?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming many industries, and the heating and plumbing sector is no exception. Smart technology is enhancing diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and system efficiencies, making it easier for engineers to deliver a high standard of service. AI-powered fault detection, for example, can identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing tradespeople to focus their efforts where they are most needed.

However, the good news is – AI is not a replacement for skilled professionals. The intricacies of installing and maintaining heating systems require a human touch – experience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability that machines simply cannot replicate. AI can assist, but it cannot replace the expertise of a trained heating engineer. Instead, technology should be seen as an enabler, helping to make the industry more efficient while still requiring a strong pipeline of skilled workers to carry out essential hands-on tasks.

Interestingly, as AI threatens white-collar jobs in law, marketing, accounting, customer service, and even programming, we may see a new trend in career choices emerging. Many traditional office careers that were seen as stable may no longer offer long-term security.  Add to that rising university fees and there’s a strong possibility that more young people will start considering learning a trade as a career choice.

 

Here are some of the facts behind this

  • University fees in England are among the highest in the world leading many young people to graduate with £40,000+ in debt.
  • Meanwhile, because of the shortage, skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry offer high earnings without the debt. An experienced, qualified electrician or heating engineer can easily earn more annually than the amount of student debt many graduates accumulate.
  • Trade jobs require hands-on, problem-solving skills that AI and robots struggle to replicate.
  • Skilled labour in construction, plumbing, electrical work, and engineering remains in high demand.

 

Are Perceptions of Trades Changing?

We are starting to see a cultural shift in attitudes towards trades as social media and influencers change perceptions. There’s a growing trend of young people showing off careers in carpentry, welding, and construction on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.  As more young people see that skilled trades offer good pay, job security, and work-life balance, they may ditch the traditional “go to uni” mindset. 

 

Will the Shift Happen Soon? 

We’re already seeing a small increase in young people choosing apprenticeships, but university is still the dominant choice.  If AI continues to disrupt office jobs and university debt keeps rising, a major shift toward trades could happen within the next 5-10 years. 

 

What’s in the Way For Employers?

There is a growing problem. The rise in National Insurance contributions and the increasing living wage are making it more expensive for employers to take on apprentices, as the cost of wages, training, and associated contributions continue to grow. This hits many small and medium-sized businesses hard, and the problem here is, those are the very businesses who offer most of the apprenticeships – many are struggling to afford new trainees which is leading to a decline in opportunities. Without government intervention such as increased financial incentives, tax relief, or reduced employer contributions, there is a risk that fewer young people will be able to access vocational training, worsening the UK’s growing skills shortage in essential trades.

 

Why Skilled Trades Matter for Society

Plumbers and heating engineers are the backbone of modern infrastructure. Without them, homes would go unheated, businesses would face operational disruptions, and vital public services such as hospitals and schools would struggle to function efficiently. The push toward renewable heating solutions also means that we need more, not fewer, skilled professionals to help the UK transition to a greener future.

As a society, we must do more to encourage young people to consider a career in the trades. This includes promoting apprenticeships, increasing incentives for businesses to take on apprentices, offering better training opportunities, and improving the perception of plumbing and heating engineering as a rewarding and well-paid profession.

 

Building the Future Together

At Gregor Heating & Renewables, we are committed to championing the next generation of heating engineers. By embracing innovation while prioritising hands-on expertise, we can help address the skills shortage and secure a more sustainable, efficient future for the UK.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a career change and has an engineering or mechanical background, or is completely new to the trade, now is the perfect time to make the move. The demand for skilled plumbers and heating engineers has never been higher, and with the right training and support, there are fantastic opportunities to build a successful and fulfilling career and be ahead of the curve!

The heating industry is evolving, but one thing remains clear: skilled professionals will always be essential to keeping the UK running. AI and automation may enhance our work, but the human touch remains irreplaceable.

You can find out more about our apprenticeship programme here.