The RHA has added its voice to that of Screwfix chief executive John Mewett, who this week called for a radical transformation of the apprenticeship system, warning that failure to do so could see a shortfall of 250,000 tradespeople by 2030.
Mewett’s call follows a Screwfix survey of 700 tradespeople and 100 young people. The results of the survey, published this week in Screwfix’s Voice of the Trade Manifesto 2025, reveal that many small businesses are reluctant to take on apprentices due to the lack of financial incentives and the challenge of recruitment.
It also found that young people lack the necessary support to get into apprenticeships.
Mewett said: “What they’ve told us is not only inspiring, it’s urgent. The industry needs more direct grants to support hiring apprentices, and flexible upskilling opportunities.
“Across society, more needs to be done to support the idea that a career in the trade is just as valuable as a university degree.”
Mewett criticised the “billions of unspent levy” which he said should be deployed into helping smaller businesses with the cost and administrative burden of running apprenticeships.
He added: “Due to the apprenticeship levy’s ‘use it or lose it’ rule, funds raised through the tax, which are not spent within two years, are returned to the government,” pointing to data that showed that between 2019 and 2022 more than £3.3bn of unused apprenticeship levy had been returned to the Treasury.
Mewett welcomed the Labour government decision to replace the former government target of getting 50% of young adults into higher education with a new goal that includes further education and apprenticeships.
However he called for more support for apprenticeships on par with that given to university students, in the form of loans for tools and other expenses.
Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: “John Mewett hit the nail on the head regarding apprenticeships.
“The apprenticeship system needs a complete overhaul, and as we’ve previously highlighted, like many other sectors - ours is facing similar challenges.
“With an ageing workforce and poor driver retention, 40,000 HGV drivers will be needed every year for the next five years to keep up with demand.
“Add to a chronic shortage of heavy vehicle technicians, and you can see the scale of the problem.”
Smith added: “Part of the solution can be found in more flexible training options that work for businesses.
“Firms across the road transport sector need support to attract, train and – critically – retain skilled members of staff.
“That means more initiatives like heavy vehicle skills bootcamps, giving employers the tools to train and re-train staff precisely how they need them.
“Last week, the Prime Minister pledged to improve apprenticeships and invest in further education. We look forward to seeing this in action.
“A focus on skills from decision-makers has never been more important for the long-term future of many businesses, the supply chain and the wider UK economy.”
