UK plumbing industry faces 73,000-plus
plumber shortage by 2032

Across the UK, young plumbers are showing what the future of the plumbing industry can look like. 

In the SkillPLUMB regional heats, apprentices and students are tested on technical ability, precision and professional judgement – and the standard of their plumbing is impressive.

That should be encouraging. But it also raises a bigger question for the UK plumbing industry: are we doing enough to develop the next generation of plumbers and apprentices?

The industry cannot ignore the scale of the challenge. By 2032, the UK will need more than 73,700 new plumbers, according to the UK Trade Skills Index 2023. 

However, the number of students completing plumbing apprenticeships is not keeping pace and training and qualifications still vary across the four nations. 

If we want a workforce fit for the future, that needs to change.

How the role of plumbers is changing in the UK

Modern plumbing is no longer just about traditional installation and repair. 

Water-efficient systems, greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting, heat pump integration and smart monitoring all require up-to-date plumbing skills.

Installers must be able to work with these technologies safely, compliantly and to a high standard.

The challenge for the workforce is not only about numbers. It is also about making sure new entrants are trained well and existing professionals can keep developing as technology evolves.

Why SkillPLUMB and plumbing apprenticeships matter

Competitions like SkillPLUMB matter because they give plumbing apprentices and students a benchmark, celebrate high standards and send a clear message – plumbing is a skilled, future-facing profession.

Plumbing will be central to the UK's response to major long-term challenges, including net zero, water security and public health. 

There is growing interest in vocational routes, but interest alone is not enough. It must lead to competent, well-supported professionals.

That means employers must take on apprentices, colleges deliver consistent training and industry bodies work together to make the route into the profession clearer across the UK.

Why WaterSafe registration and competent person schemes are vital

WaterSafe Register helps installers show their qualifications and gives homeowners confidence the person working on their water system is properly trained. 

As the plumbing profession evolves, visible and verifiable competence will only become more important.

The young people competing in the SkillPLUMB heats show what this industry is capable of. The challenge now is to give more of them a clear, consistent and high-quality path into the profession.

Sourcing almost 74,000 new plumbers by 2032 is an ambitious target. But if the UK plumbing industry, training providers and employers act now, it is still within reach.