To fix the housing crisis, we need to solve the skills shortage, says L&Q‘s Executive Director of Property Services, David Lewis.
The housing and construction sector has weathered its fair share of storms. Rising inflation, supply chain disruption, repairs backlogs and material shortages have all made the last few years challenging. Chief among them is a shrinking workforce.
At L&Q, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, we’re proud to employ over 400 trades professionals. These roles are vital not just for keeping homes in good repair, but for supporting the very fabric of our society. From the schools where children learn, to the hospitals that care for us, and the homes we live in, none of it functions without skilled tradespeople.
But many of these professionals are nearing retirement. More than a third of people working in construction and the trades are over 50. Vacancies have reached record highs, especially for plumbers, carpenters and electricians.
Worryingly, this is happening just as demand is surging. Social landlords like us are managing ageing housing stock, delivering vital fire safety improvements, and working towards ambitious net zero targets. We’re investing more than ever in repairs and maintenance, yet without the skilled people to do the work, we risk falling short.
That’s why we’re putting a renewed focus on apprenticeships. This summer alone, we’re welcoming 20 new recruits, with more to follow later this year.
For us, this is a chance to build an experienced, motivated workforce with a clear understanding of our sector, our values and the needs of residents. By training people ourselves, we’ll develop operatives who already know our systems and can hit the ground running.
Made in trade
Across the country, thousands of students are sitting their A levels, awaiting results that will shape the next stage of their lives. University is the right path for some, but it’s not the only route to a stable and successful career.
Apprenticeships have come a long way from the days of tea rounds and photocopying. Now, trainees earn while they learn, gain real-world experience, and graduate with a recognised qualification. Once qualified, they enjoy job security, a healthy work-life balance, and even the potential to build their own business. After all, who isn’t looking for a good plumber?
Of course, creating these jobs is only part of the answer. Opportunities need to be visible, supported and properly resourced. That’s why, through our Made in Trade campaign, we’re shining a light on careers in the trades. We’re sharing stories from our apprentices and visiting schools and colleges to show young people the real and lasting value of these roles.
We’re also working to challenge outdated stereotypes. Repairs and maintenance roles have traditionally been male-dominated, yet women bring the same skills and impact to the table and the toolbox .We need to do more to encourage women into these careers and ensure the industry is open and inclusive for everyone.
None of this can happen in isolation. Industry, education and government must work together to raise the profile of trades careers, attract young and diverse talent, and remove the barriers that hold people back. That includes further government investment in apprenticeships, so that more people can master a trade and more employers have the support they need to train them. When all of that comes together, everyone benefits.
As L&Q invests in existing homes and services, the national housing shortage shows no sign of slowing. If we’re serious about building and maintaining the homes people need, we must start with the people who make that possible.
To solve this crisis, we need young people on board. The future of our sector – and of housing itself – depends on it.
