Engineered surfaces manufacturer Wilsonart is calling for a broader industry response to ease labour pressures, as the skills gap crisis continues to bite.

In its latest annual installation survey, the British Institute of Kitchen Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) highlighted almost two-thirds of UK installers sit within the 45-64 age bracket.

It further revealed just 3% have entered the sector in the last five years, with 90% of respondendent having been in the industry for over 10 years.

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While these findings have focused industry minds on the need for apprenticeships and upskilling, specification leader – UK & Ireland at Wilsonart George Emms says this needs to be complemented by additional strategies.

“Training the next generation of installers is absolutely vital if we’re going to close the widening age gap in the profession,” said George Emms.

“But we also need to be realistic about how long it takes to not just learn specialist skills, but to truly master them to the level modern construction projects demand.

“I’m confident that new installers will reach those standards, but in the meantime, we need to explore how existing, easy-to-use technologies can help us get more out of the workforce we already have.

“For example, advances in engineered surface technologies – specifically around dry-fit or interlocking designs – have been shown to help alleviate pressures around installation by eliminating the need for grout, adhesives and complex tools.

These surfaces can be quickly fitted by generalist tradespeople, reducing reliance on specialists that, as the BiKBBI’s findings demonstrate, will soon begin to age out of the existing installer workforce.”

George Emms continued: “Smarter materials and systems aren’t here to replace skilled tradespeople,” George said.

“But they can help us make better use of the skilled labour we do have.

“For example, the £39 billion the Government committed to social and affordable homes in the latest Spending Review was clearly welcome, but with it comes increased pressure to deliver more projects efficiently despite ongoing labour shortages.

“This extra money won’t mean much at all if we don’t have the workforce to install the specialist components manufacturers produce for these new buildings.”