Mover & Shakers with Mark Conacher & Simon Acres from The Installer Show 2024
Apprentice journey with Mark Conacher & Simon Acres
In challenging times, it’s hard to focus on the long-term future when we’re just trying to make it through another year. Yet, this is precisely why supporting existing initiatives is so vital—they help us step into the future with optimism and readiness.
The Skills Gap in the KBB Industry
The skills shortage in the KBB (Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom) sector is a growing concern, particularly as an aging workforce is nearing retirement. A third of sole trader installers plan to retire within the next decade, and the industry is struggling to attract younger workers to fill these roles. According to a recent survey by BiKBBI, only 9% of businesses report a good supply of qualified installers
Source: KBBFocus
This data illustrates the pressing need for targeted efforts to recruit new talent and ensure a sustainable workforce for the future.
As we approach the end of the year, the KBB industry still faces a persistent challenge: a lack of fresh talent. The skills gap continues to widen in areas like kitchen installation, furniture manufacturing, and interior design.
Many young people today are drawn to careers they perceive as easier or more glamorous—programming, content creation, or data analysis. These roles seem less physically demanding, which makes them appealing.
However, a growing uncertainty surrounds even these fields. With AI advancing at an unprecedented rate, many of these jobs could soon be at risk. Automation is poised to replace tasks across industries, creating new challenges for those who depend solely on such professions.
Apprenticeships are seen as a vital solution to this crisis. By 2030, nearly a quarter of the current KBB workforce will have retired, exacerbating the gap.
The Role of Apprenticeships in Addressing the Skills Gap
Here’s the silver lining: practical, hands-on skills remain uniquely resilient to AI disruption. Roles that involve craftsmanship, creativity, and on-the-job problem-solving are not easily replaceable. By gaining expertise in these areas, young people can secure a stable future, even in a rapidly changing world.
Benefits of Apprenticeships for the KBB Sector
Apprenticeships not only help fill the skills gap but also ensure that the workforce is trained according to industry standards. Apprentices are often more likely to stay with the companies that invest in them, leading to lower turnover and better long-term retention. Additionally, apprenticeships allow businesses to tailor training to their specific needs, fostering a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
Parents and mentors, this is where you play a crucial role. Encourage young people to consider careers that offer both stability and growth. Physical labor may not sound glamorous, but modern tools and training programs have made these jobs smarter and more efficient. And the financial success they can bring shouldn’t be underestimated.
Real-World Examples of Apprenticeship Success
Apprenticeships in the KBB industry are an excellent pathway to build such skills, offering structured learning, hands-on experience, and career progression.
At our organisation, we’ve dedicated significant energy to promoting vocational training and apprenticeships. From online campaigns to in-person advocacy at major events like the Installer Show, we’re working to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
This year, at the Installer Show’s Apprenticeship Hub, we gathered industry experts, including Mark Conacher from Senstec USA, to discuss how to engage young people and build a sustainable workforce. These insightful conversations have now been captured in a short film, which we’re excited to share with you today.
We invite you to follow our ‘Apprentice Journey’ film project, which provides a real-life example of an apprentice’s career path in the industry. This film will be shared throughout the project, offering valuable insights and ready-to-use solutions for both apprentices and businesses interested in hiring apprentices.
We urge you to join the discussion, share your thoughts, and help guide the next generation toward practical, rewarding careers.
We’re not here to discourage dreams of a bright and effortless future. But we believe in encouraging young people to understand that true success often begins with a strong foundation of skills, mentorship, and hard work.
The KBB industry offers more than just jobs—it offers careers with progression, innovation, and a sense of purpose. Let’s ensure that today’s youth see these opportunities clearly, so they can build their futures with confidence.
Because every journey to the top starts with a single step.
