The latest ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ has found that the electrical trade faces the most severe deficit across all sectors analysed, with a 227:1 ratio representing a gap of just over 9,600 unfilled positions.
The research, created by power tool accessories specialist DART Tool Group, analysed data from the Department for Education, the Office of National Statistics (ONS), and job board site Reed across six UK trade sectors, revealing where the skills crisis is most severe, why training pathways are under strain, and what strategic actions employers can take to strengthen their future workforce.
Across all trades analysed, there are just 809 apprenticeship openings to fill over 86,000 current job vacancies, a ratio of 106 jobs competing for every single apprenticeship place.
Hardest hit within the electrical sector are in Electrical Building Services, with 281 job openings for every one apprentice that qualifies.
Although apprenticeship starts have grown 35% since 2021/2022, low completion rates of just 26% in the past year mean the surge in interest has not yet converted into the skilled workforce needed, leaving a persistent gap between demand and supply.
A similar pattern follows Electrical Engineering roles, which had 256 vacancies per apprentice completer, and starts declining year-on-year by 33%. However, completion rates are somewhat higher, with 50% of apprentices completing their programmes in the last year.
Installation & Maintenance Electricians face a smaller deficit at 77:1, but starts have declined year-on-year by 11% and completion rates for the 2024/2025 intake remain modest at 39%.
While broadly defined Electrician positions have fewer jobs per apprentice opening (63:1), starts overall have dropped 16% year-on-year, coupled with persistently low completion rates. Combined, this indicates the trade is persistently facing limited interest and uptake, which may threaten the skilled pipeline.
Ryan Paterson, Managing Director at DART Tool Group, commented: “The findings from our ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ have demonstrated that, with a stronger, more effective apprenticeship system and active encouragement and promotion of trade industry jobs, the risk of a widening skills gap can be reduced.
“The UK’s electrical sector is facing some of the toughest shortages in recent years, with our data finding a deficit of 227:1. By partnering with local colleges, addressing misconceptions about trade roles, and providing flexible on-site learning, businesses can gradually fill the positions needed to meet the ambitious housebuilding targets.”
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