Screwfix has announced a significant milestone in its Trade Apprentice programme, having funded over 50 trade apprentices through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency TrAC. Applications for the 2026 intake opened on 2nd February and closed on 15th February.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The programme comes at a critical time for the UK construction and trades sector, which faces a projected workforce shortfall of 240,000 skilled workers by 2029. The shortage is particularly acute in core trades including carpentry, bricklaying, electrics, plumbing, and groundwork.
Contributing factors include an ageing workforce approaching retirement, reduced apprenticeship uptake among younger people, and weakened EU migration following Brexit. Some trade categories are experiencing vacancy levels not seen for more than a decade.
Industry Response
Screwfix's initiative is part of a broader industry response to the skills crisis. The programme offers aspiring tradespeople a funded pathway into the industry, combining practical on-site experience with formal qualifications. The flexi-job model through TrAC allows apprentices to gain experience across multiple employers, building a wider skill set.
Kingfisher Group Performance
Parent company Kingfisher, which also owns B&Q, has upgraded its full-year profit expectations following a strong third quarter. The company has so far purchased £175 million of shares under its current £300 million buyback programme, on track for completion by March 2026. Performance has been driven by strong strategic execution in e-commerce, trade, and core DIY categories.
