NEC show aims to bridge building skills gap
A three-day show at the NEC next June aims to help unearth the next generation of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders and other key tradespeople to help bridge the construction industry skills gap.
InstallerSHOW (June 24-26, NEC) has unveiled plans for InstallerFUTURES 2025 – which will, for the first time, run across all three days of the show.
InstallerFUTURES is part of InstallerSHOW’s ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of installers to improve their skills, connect with the industry and find valuable employment opportunities within the sector.
Traditionally focusing on learners in current further education, over the past three years InstallerFUTURES has welcomed over 700 17 to 21-year olds from gas, plumbing, heating and electrical courses at UK colleges and learning institutions to specially curated events on the final day of the show.
As InstallerSHOW continues to reach into new sectors, the scope of InstallerFUTURES will become broader – with 2025 seeing expansion into a multi-trade offering covering roofing, carpentry, tiling and general building.
Special projects director Emma-Jayne King said: “It has never been more important to address the ongoing skilled worker deficit across the construction industry. InstallerFUTURES is for anyone looking to upskill, reskill or enter the sector – from college learners and apprentices to established installers looking to change direction, and industry veterans keen to take the pulse of its changing needs.
“We are thrilled to support a true multi-trade offering covering everything from plumbing, heating, gas and electric to roofing, carpentry, tiling and general building.”
Following recommendations from the InstallerFUTURES Advisory Board, and to address the ongoing skilled worker deficit across the industry, InstallerSHOW 2025 will see InstallerFUTURES running on all three days, with content being broadcast live from a dedicated location – the InstallerFUTURES Arena, located in Hall 4 of the NEC.
Whilst Thursday's content will remain dedicated to empowering the next generation, Tuesday and Wednesday’s content will be designed for current installers, lecturers and small business owners, covering topics including
- Upskilling and reskilling installers
- Supporting new entrants to the industry in building their own businesses
- Helping SMEs and sole traders to identify the benefits of investing in apprenticeships, and detailing how to budget for them
- Attracting and retaining apprentices
- What professionalism in the industry actually looks like
- Adult market career changes (for example, ex-military) and how to get into the market
The full agenda is being finalised and will be released at the end of November.
Learners joining from colleges and other training facilities will receive a tailored agenda based on their course of study and interests. 300 learner spaces have already been reserved by colleges attending in 2025. Content on Tuesday and Wednesday will be open to all InstallerSHOW guests to join.
If you would like to present at InstallerFUTURES 2025, please contact Emma-Jayne King, special projects director.
To support the InstallerFUTURES initiative through sponsorship, contact David Ventris-Field for more information on how you can get involved.
