Bedfordshire carpenter encourages diversity to fill skills gap in construction
Thousands of vacancies remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified workers
A carpenter from Bedfordshire is urging more people to consider apprenticeships as the construction industry faces a major skills gap.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are currently over 35,000 vacancies in construction jobs, with more than half of these positions unfilled due to a lack of qualified tradespeople. The industry needs one million extra workers by 2032 to meet demand.
Daniel Threlkeld, 19, a carpentry apprentice at Bedfordshire-based Complete Fixing Solutions, has shared his story to inspire others to consider apprenticeships.
He said: “After finishing my GCSEs, I started an electrical course but quickly realised I’m at my best when working hands-on. That’s what led me to carpentry.
The construction industry is male dominated as figures show around 15% of professionals in the UK construction industry are women, according to ONS.
Daniel says it would be positive to have more women joining the industry as “it would change it up a little bit and give construction a bit more diversity.
“In my whole college, there's not really any women in the construction side - not even just my trade itself, it’s across the whole college itself that there's not many females that do trades.”
The 19-year-old added: “The apprenticeship has been a game-changer - from learning practical skills to building confidence and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. The resources and guidance provided throughout my training have significantly increased my confidence and understanding of the trade.
“Now in my second year, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Completing my first year felt like a big milestone, and it’s given me the drive to aim higher. My goal is to work full-time and eventually run my own carpentry business.
“For anyone considering their options, I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship. It’s the best way to learn on the job and set yourself up for a career you’ll love.”