Today marks the UK’s National Skilled Trades Day, celebrating the hard work and expertise of the skilled professionals driving innovation and securing the future of UK industry. The day highlights the contributions of workers across sectors, including construction, manufacturing and engineering.
Particularly in the face of a widening skills gaps, rising employer costs and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, how can businesses best support the UK’s skilled workers?
Training and upskilling
In a recent report by Barclays, 91 per cent of manufacturing organisations stated they are increasingly training their workforces in-house due to skilled workers scarcity. To support businesses with this issue, the government announced a four-year, £600M investment in the UK’s construction industry – providing the resources and training for up to 60,000 new skilled workers.
Construction organisations should consider funding grants such as the Skills and Training fund, available through the CITB, allowing micro and smaller organisations to apply for funding to deliver training to their team annually. The Leadership and Management Development Fund for large businesses supports large CITB registered employers to apply for funding to manage the costs of upskilling management and leadership teams.
To stay ahead, businesses must not only invest in existing teams but also broaden their talent pipelines, tapping into underutilised pools like career switchers, returning workers, and those entering the workforce via apprenticeship and industry placement. International hiring is another solution – utilising overseas technical expertise can relieve immediate pressures and support knowledge transfer. Research shows that manufacturing firms in the UK became 7 – 12 per cent more productive after hiring their first foreign managers, indicating the benefits of seeking skills across borders.
By diversifying talent sources and prioritising development, companies can futureproof workforces and maintain their competitive edge.
HR technology
Gen Z manufacturing workers cite a safe working environment and workforce flexibility as top reasons for remaining in their current role. Traditional forms of insurance, like employers’ liability and public liability, remain essential, but today’s workforce expects progressive benefits packages.
HR technology is a key-way for businesses to deliver tailored insurance and support, adjusting coverage based on location, contract type, and risk level. For instance, a contractor working on a remote, high-risk site might need different coverage than a permanent employee based in a plant. Digital HR platforms can manage this complexity, making benefits more accessible and relevant to workers on the ground.
Digital tools also support a proactive approach to wellbeing and compliance. Time-tracking software can monitor hours worked across multiple sites, flagging potential breaches in time limits and reducing burnout risk. Automated systems ensure overtime is calculated accurately, while self-service portals provide instant access to payslips, schedules, and performance data, important in industries where employees aren’t desk-based.
Competitive salaries for skilled workers
The shape of the construction and manufacturing industries is likely to change significantly over the next five years, welcoming a new generation of skilled workers, supported by government funding pledges and automation, but who will require upskilling for new roles like AI programming, as this technology continues to evolve.
In a market where skilled professionals are scarce, job seekers have more leverage. Strong remuneration packages are now essential to attracting and retaining top talent. To remain competitive, businesses must prioritise salary benchmarking, ensuring all employees are paid in line with industry standards.
With changes to minimum wage laws, evolving job expectations, and an AI-driven shift in desired skill sets, organisations can’t afford to rely on outdated pay structures. Benchmarking also supports internal equity, boosts employee morale, and reinforces a company's reputation as a fair and forward-thinking employer.
On Skilled Trades Day, businesses have a valuable opportunity to reflect on the vital contributions of their skilled workers and to commit to long-term strategies that invest in training, embrace digital solutions, and offer fair, future-ready rewards that keep talent thriving and industry moving forward.
Lorna Ferrie, Legal and Compliance Director at Mauve Group.
