New Report Tracks Growth in Roofing Workforce

ROOFERS, ROOF TILERS AND SLATERS are in huge demand and have been consistently over the last decade. Now, a new report has revealed how the the roofing workforce has increased over the last 15 years.

The trade trends report 2021 released by the Skills Training Group has analysed 15 years’ worth of data from the Office for National Statistics to assess the state of the UK workforce.

The report shows the number of roofers, roof tilers and slaters increased by 14.06% between 2004 and 2020. The total roofing workforce grew from 44,100 to 50,300.

Alongside this, chartered architectural technologists saw the largest increase of all construction occupations analysed. Between 2004 and 2020 workers in the role increased by 236% from 2,500 workers to 8,400.

Encouraging a Roofing Workforce

Mark McShane, Managing Director at Skills Training Group said: “For many industries, young people entering the workforce early in their careers means they can learn the craft and make it a long term career – with many being business owners by the time they are 30. But, in order to encourage young people to make these choices, businesses in the industry need to engage with young people. Roofers could share their success stories to encourage a new workforce.

“While many young people may enter into a skilled trade through college and apprenticeships, a missed opportunity may be those that have opted to continue studying for A-Levels. For these students, the general direction is to head off to university, so it’s no surprise that many may not have even considered a career in specific trades – this is where recruitment outside of the usual routes can prove fruitful.

Communication and Marketing

“Communication and marketing needs to be a big part of each of the different industry’s goals. Young people will better engage with clear and smart communication. To attract and recruit new talent to the industry, its image needs to adapt as well. Companies and industries that make noise, engage with social media and shout about what makes their trades great will see the tide change in the amount of people wanting a job.”

It’s not such an optimistic picture for every trade, the data also shows that between 2004 and 2020 some trades suffered.

The number of steel erectors fell by 92.65%, bricklayers and masons (82.48%) and carpenters and joiners (52.65%).

Read the full report here.