The ECIA has undertaken a Skills Shortage Survey amongst its members. The purpose is to identify resource demand in the main NAECI trades in the upcoming 12 months. The response rate was impressive at 40% and included employers with a total workforce of over 10,000 in the NAECI trades. This provides us with a very good indication of the skills requirements especially since 64% of responses were from larger NAECI employers; a significant number that makes the information all the more credible.
Based on the survey analysis, we can see that as of April 2024, there were 10,301 skilled NAECI-qualified tradespeople employed around the UK. A further 2425 people are required by October of this year, an increase of around 23%. A further 197 people are needed between October 2024 and March 25, an additional increase of 1.5%. The total demand by March 2025 is therefore 2622 tradespeople or 24.5%.
Looking at demands within each trade, we can see that the actual gap is bigger than 24.5% in most trades. The most significant trade gap was indicated for the electricians, 67%, and mechanical fitters, 51%.
Skills in Engineering construction are currently in short supply and the ECIA will share this information with other related industry associations, partners and government. Our aim is to use these results to raise awareness of the skills shortage issue and secure engagement across the industry in addressing what is the biggest challenge our members face.
