That’s according to research*, which follows a report by the UK Trade Skills Index revealing a gap of nearly one million skilled tradespeople that needs to be filled over the next eight years[1].
Vansdirect has looked into queries across the country for each trade and ‘near me’ trade searches to reveal which tradesperson has the highest demand in some of the top cities in the UK.
Plumbers and locksmiths came out on top with 18% of all queries by Brits for tradespeople. Electricians (15%) roofers (8%) and handymen (6%) all made up the rest of the top five.
Interestingly, ‘chimney sweep’ is still a prolific occupation for many people across the UK with over 20,000 searches every month for this seemingly bygone trade. Searches for this trade spike dramatically during September and October, as the nights draw in and chimneys come back into use to warm the home.
Top 10 in-demand trades in the UK based off ‘near me’ searches
| Ranking | Trade | Total queries | Share of searches |
| #1 | Plumber | 110,650 | 18% |
| #2 | Locksmith | 110,350 | 18% |
| #3 | Electrician | 91,280 | 15% |
| #4 | Roofer | 49,650 | 8% |
| #5 | Handyman | 33,360 | 6% |
| #6 | Plasterer | 22,620 | 4% |
| #7 | Upholsterer | 22,340 | 4% |
| #8 | Chimney sweep | 22,290 | 4% |
| #9 | Carpenter | 18,520 | 3% |
| #10 | Tree surgeon | 14,980 | 2% |
A Vansdirect spokesperson said:
“With a gap of nearly one million tradespeople needing to be filled, it’s insightful to see where the most in-demand trades really do lie.
“Demand for some trades will fluctuate throughout the year with landscapers and garden workers seeing a spike in the summer, but trades like electricians, locksmiths and plumbers are needed all year round, so these are perfect to specialise in for consistent income.
“Likewise, skilled individuals who are interested by seasonal work could make a roaring trade from being a chimney sweep during autumn.”
[1] https://www.aboutapprenticeships.com/reports/uk-trade-skills-index-2023/
*Research from Vansdirect
vansdirect.co.uk
