Demand for Electricians to soar with 100,000 more needed by 2032 

The UK is heading into a critical period for trade skills, with electricians at the centre of the challenge. According to the UK Trade Skills Index 2023, the construction and wider t rade sector will require an additional 937,000 workers by 2032 — with 100,000 of those roles needing to be filled by qualified electricians. 

This huge shortfall highlights both the opportunities and the risks facing the industry. From energy infrastructure and housing to green technologies like solar PV and EV charging, demand is rising sharply. But without enough trained electricians, businesses will struggle to keep up. 

Why are electricians in short supply? 

The shortage has multiple causes. A third of today’s workforce is aged 50 or over, meaning retirements will accelerate over the next decade. At the same time, Brexit has reduced the flow of overseas workers, making it harder to fill gaps quickly. 

There is also a lack of investment in technical training. While schools often prioritise academic pathways, practical qualifications such as Dealing with Hazards Lesson 4 show how structured, skills-based learning can directly prepare learners for real-world site conditions. Without more initiatives like this, the pipeline of new talent will remain too narrow. 

What the report recommends 

The Trade Skills Index calls for action in three key areas: 

• Training and apprenticeships – More funding for vocational education, with employers and providers expanding opportunities in regions such as Electrician Courses Chester, where demand for entry-level training is already rising. 

• Investment in infrastructure – Large-scale projects in transport, housing and energy create both immediate jobs and long-term stability for the sector. 

• Research and innovation – New technologies in renewable energy and digital tools can help electricians work more efficiently, but only if the workforce is trained to use them. 

The impact on tradespeople 

For existing contractors, the shortage may mean higher wages and more work opportunities. But it also brings pressure: companies already report turning away jobs due to l ack of staff. As explored in Dealing with Hazards Lesson 5, managing external risks — such as skills gaps and rising costs — is crucial for business sustainability. 

For new entrants, it’s a golden opportunity. Centres such as Electrician Courses Crewe are seeing more career changers enrolling to take advantage of the sector’s growth. 

Looking ahead 

If the UK is to meet its Net Zero goals, support its housing plans, and deliver critical infrastructure, electricians will play a frontline role. That’s why Elec Training is focused on preparing learners with the technical knowledge, compliance awareness and business skills that employers demand. 

For anyone considering a new career path, the message is clear: electricians will remain in demand for years to come. With structured qualifications and hands-on training available across the country, there’s never been a better time to enter the trade. 

How many additional electricians will the UK need by 2032? 

The UK will need an additional 100,000 electricians by 2032 to meet growing demand and address the skills gap in the construction and trade sectors. This figure comes from the UK Trade Skills Index 2023, which highlights the urgent need for recruitment to support infrastructure projects, housing targets, and net zero initiatives. Elec Training is responding to this by expanding its apprenticeship programs to train more entrants quickly. 

What is driving the high demand for electricians in the coming decade? 

High demand is driven by the UK’s net zero goals, requiring installations of EV chargers, solar PV systems, heat pumps, and energy-efficient upgrades; a housing boom needing 300,000 new homes annually; and infrastructure projects like smart grids and renewables expansion. The ageing workforce’s retirement and Brexit’s impact on labor supply further amplify the need, with the sector facing a 32% workforce decline by 2038 without action. Elec Training’s courses focus on these areas, preparing electricians for high-demand specialisms like renewables. 

Why is there currently a shortage of qualified electricians? 

The shortage stems from an ageing workforce (one-third over 50 and retiring soon), reduced EU migrant labor post-Brexit (26% drop since 2018), insufficient young entrants into apprenticeships, and surging demand from net zero and housing projects outpacing supply. With only 15,000 additional needed by 2030 but current gaps delaying projects, the skills shortage has risen sharply, as per the UK Trade Skills Index 2023. Elec Training addresses this through accelerated retraining for career changers. 

How does an ageing workforce contribute to the skills gap? 

An ageing workforce contributes by creating a retirement cliff, with one-third of current electricians over 50 expected to retire in the next decade, leading to a projected 32% decline by 2038 without sufficient replacements. This exacerbates the gap as experienced workers leave, and fewer young people enter to fill roles, delaying knowledge transfer. Elec Training’s mentorship programs pair veterans with new trainees to bridge this. 

What impact has Brexit had on the availability of skilled electricians? 

Brexit has reduced availability by limiting EU migrant labor, causing a 26% workforce drop since 2018 and contributing to a projected 32% decline by 2038, as pre-Brexit 10-15% of electricians were from the EU. This has delayed projects and increased wages due to scarcity. Elec Training focuses on domestic talent to counter this. 

What recommendations does the UK Trade Skills Index 2023 make to address the shortage? 

The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 recommends government investment in training and apprenticeships, including a new programme for the construction industry to support young people and career changers; funding for social and e conomic infrastructure to create jobs; R&D to foster innovation; and collaboration between government, employers, educators, and training providers to develop targeted programs. Elec Training aligns with these by offering flexible, industry-backed courses. 

How can training and apprenticeships help close the electrician skills gap? 

Training and apprenticeships close the gap by providing practical, earn-while-learn paths that upskill 15,000+ annually, addressing the 100,000 needed by 2032 through accelerated programs and retraining for career changers. They build competence in high-demand areas like renewables, with enrollment boosts (e.g., 7% rise in construction) filling shortages. Elec Training’s NVQ apprenticeships enable quick qualification, reducing the gap effectively. 

What opportunities does the shortage create for existing electricians? 

The shortage creates opportunities like higher wages (£40k-£60k+), job security, specialization in renewables/EVs (20-30% premium), and entrepreneurship, with demand allowing premium pricing and stable work amid 15,000 vacancies by 2030. Elec Training’s CPD helps leverage these through upskilling. 

Why is this a good time for career changers to retrain as electricians? 

It’s a good time due to high demand (100,000 needed by 2032), quick training (months vs. years), earn-while-learn apprenticeships, job security, and earnings (£33k-£60k) without degree debt—amid net zero boom. Elec Training’s fast-track courses facilitate switches. 

How does meeting the demand for electricians link to the UK’s Net Zero and infrastructure goals? 

Meeting demand is essential for Net Zero by enabling EV chargers, solar PV, heat pumps, and smart grids—requiring 100,000 more by 2032 for 300,000 homes/year and renewables expansion, directly cutting emissions. Elec Training’s renewables focus supports this linkage.