New research unveils 18% of Brits are seeking a career in the trades as a result of the pandemic 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID to their highest levels ever Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now discusses the UK’s vocational skills gap  Research by the Office for National Statistics states that the employment rate in the construction sector for the UK fell from 2.3 million in 2017, to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. This demonstrates a 4% decrease in UK-born workers, and a 42% fall in EU workers. In London, employment fell from 311,124 workers in 2017, to 261,271 at the end of 2020, representing a 54% fall in EU workers, which has only led to further difficulties considering the construction industry was relied on heavily during the pandemic. Whilst an array of challenges for the skilled workforce has come to the surface by the pandemic, the trade sectors has seen exponential growth, proving to be the only retail sector to have grown throughout the pandemic, alongside groceries. Fuelled by the home improvement boom in the UK, the market research provider Kantar has indicated that £4.94 billion was spent on home improvements last year, £552 million than the previous 12 months, ensuring many tradespeople have been inundated with work, creating employment opportunities throughout lockdown for those who have changed their career path. However, with such a large number of EU workers from the UK has left the industry, this is leaving the construction sector suffering from a further employment drought. New national research from Powered Now, a field service management software that specialises in trades, has unveiled that 18% of Brits have sought a new career path in the trades as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the research has indicated that the pandemic has been a catalyst for diversifying the UK’s trade workforce, with 15% of those considering the trades as a career being female.  Key Statistics 18% of Brits agree that after COVID, have found employment within a trade sector to pick up additional work or to commence a new career path 15% of tradespeople have seen their client demand increase post-COVID 17% of tradespeople regularly work over 10 hours a day 16% of tradespeople agree that they lose out on business due to extensive administrative tasks, such as chasing invoices 16% of tradespeople agree that sequential waves of COVID has made them more motivated to work The UK Skills Drought The UK construction workforce is an ageing one, with over 20% of tradespeople being over fifty and 15% being in their sixties. The problem was a simple one, as these electricians, builders and plumbers retire, the same percentage of young people were not entering these professions. Although there are many opportunities in the trade industry, many young people were simply not choosing it as a career. This is despite that 74% of parents in a recent YouGov survey would encourage their child to learn the skilled trades. However only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 have searched for a job in the trade industry. Now however, the tide is turning in favour of the labour market, and Brits are seeking new career paths in the trades at record rates, and for good reason. Powered Now’s research had further unveiled that 15% of the UK’s skilled trade workforce were experiencing their highest levels of client demand during the pandemic. Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, has commented on the research and how this revival in business has caused a welcome increase in productivity and growth for the sector.  “Withshortagesof supplies and labour, the whole industry is still in catch up mode and the various projects that were delayed by sequential lockdowns, are now taking priority. This has helped to spike demand and we expect it to continue in the short term. Our research has entirely confirmed that tradespeople and consumers alike are very much eager to sustain this growth.  “Our SME customers are also talking about the pressure to complete jobs as they don’t have enough boots on the ground. As we have seen from the sentiments established in this research, a new wave of tradespeople are more motivated to work and are commencing their work on home improvements even sooner. These concerns are also sure to help the sector bounce back even quicker as people will rush to hire a tradesperson for their desired work.”

One of the most important and common materials used in construction is steel. Many buildings—be they residential, commercial, or industrial—heavily rely on steel. Currently, the use of secondary steel is heightening. It’s manufactured from the remains of primary steel to be recycled and molded. This kind of steel has no mill certifications, and it’s cheaper compared to primary steel. Secondary steel can also be the result of processes such as steel slitting. It serves to fulfil specific customers’ needs. There are several benefits associated with secondary steel. Here are just some of them: How Is Secondary Steel Used? Given how advantageous secondary steel is, it’s not surprising that it has many industrial applications, including the following: 1. Surface Casing Surface casing is a pipe installed in gas and oil wells. It’s placed near a well to safeguard water sands against leakage or contamination resulting from gas or oil drilling projects. Surface casings are used in concrete pilings in many construction processes, too. 2. Frame Construction Secondary steel can be utilized in forming the frame that supports primary frames in the construction of houses. That kind of support is crucial to ensure that the main frames don’t twist or break. Frames made from secondary steel also help in attaching walls and roofs. These are several common framing parts you may encounter: 3. Pipe Making Recycled steel can also be used to manufacture pipes, which could be irrigation, plumbing, or water pipes. These end products of recycled steel work as well as their counterparts made from primary steel. 4. Packaging Uses Secondary steel can be used in manufacturing food packaging materials and beverage containers. The process involved is usually cost-effective and doesn’t harm the environment. 5. Automobiles Secondary steel is considered a strong and affordable material in the production of some vehicle parts. Even old automobiles are recycled to make new ones. This is possible because steel doesn’t degrade quickly. 6. Home Furniture And Appliances Couches, tables, and chairs can have legs made from secondary steel. When it comes to designing modern furniture, steel can be incorporated in order to come up with stylish designs. What’s more, offices can have modern cabinets and sleek desks manufactured from secondary steel. Lightning fixtures, refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers have parts constructed from recycled steel as well. These home appliances and furniture are all durable. 7. Signs And Creative Endeavors Secondary steel can be used for outdoor road and entryway signs. Meanwhile, some communities turn to secondary steel to produce outstanding sculptures. These artistic pieces can last a long time. 8. Creation Of New, Sturdy Metal Products With the aid of an electric arc furnace, secondary steel can be refined and turned into quality products. During the process, less energy is used, which ultimately helps in lowering costs. The metals manufactured can be used in railway and bridge construction. Takeaway The use of secondary steel in various industries is increasing. This is because of the benefits that come with this metal, among them being durability and affordability. In the long run, it may help contribute to the reduction of steel materials in landfills. Moreover, utilizing secondary steel is a great way to save on costs associated with primary steel.