Trade Link is a dedicated hub on Screwfix ’ s website offering advice and support to tradespeople on how they can support the next generation to go into the trades .

Supporting its more than 11m customers , Trade Link offers simple guidance on how tradespeople can go about hiring an apprentice , as well as explaining how tradespeople can support students aged 16-19 years studying T – Level qualifications , which require industry experience alongside classroom learning .

Customers will be able to read case studies from fellow tradespeople about their experience , explore guidance about recruiting apprentices and see how Screwfix is supporting the future of the trade across its business .

Trade Link reinforces the omnichannel retailer ’ s commitment to the future of the trade industry . Screwfix Trade

• The omnichannel retailer to the trade launches ‘ Trade Link ’ to support tradespeople taking on apprentices and hosting T-Level students on industry placements .

• A 2023 study by Kingfisher , revealed a shortfall of more than 250,000 qualified tradespeople would result in £ 98bn lost economic growth by 2030 .

• Trade Link will support tradespeople to recruit the next-generation of talent to help bridge the industry skills gap .

Apprentice 2024 opened for entries this month , marking the 10th anniversary of the annual competition . Screwfix Trade Apprentice champions the very best apprentices from the UK and Ireland , with one worthy winner taking away a career-boosting trade bundle worth £ 10k .

Alongside the annual Trade Apprentice competition , Screwfix has also so far funded 20 trade apprenticeships through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency , TrAC .

A 2023 study by Screwfix ’ s parent company Kingfisher , revealed that a looming shortfall of more than 250,000 qualified tradespeople by 2030 is on course to cost the country £ 98bn in lost economic growth , with the biggest shortages set to be among electricians , plumbing and heating installers , and carpenters / joiners .

John Mewett , Screwfix CEO said : “ Research by Kingfisher shows that we are facing a potential shortage of 250,000 qualified tradespeople by 2030 . It ’ s vital that we work with the Department for Education , colleges , schools , and our customers to promote careers in the trade to ensure there is a strong pipeline of young talent going into the industry . We know and understand the complexities of taking on apprentices and our customers can play a key role in protecting the future of the industry . We hope Trade Link is a valuable resource that provides a simple starting point for our customers , who are looking to support the next generation of tradespeople .”

Minister for Skills , Apprenticeships and Higher Education

Robert Halfon said : “ Apprenticeships are crucial to giving people from all backgrounds the chance to climb the ladder of opportunity while addressing skills gaps and helping to grow our economy .

I hope this campaign inspires more businesses to take on apprentices or T Level students

“ So , it is brilliant news that Screwfix , one of our Top 100 apprentice employers , is encouraging tradespeople to support the next generation through its new ‘ Trade Link ’ campaign .

“ Screwfix understands the apprenticeship levy and uses it well . They know the wealth of benefits T Levels and apprentices bring to the industry , and I hope this campaign inspires more businesses to take on apprentices or T Level students of their own .”

www . screwfix . com