The trade industry in the UK demonstrates a serious gender imbalance – as just 2%, of the UK's 900,000 tradespeople, are women, data has revealed.

A poll of 1,000 16-25-year-olds found that women are almost half as likely as men to consider applying for a career as a tradesperson (35%, compared to 60%).

But with the UK currently facing a shortage of 166,000 tradespeople – predicted to rise to 250,000 by 2030 – more women in such roles might just be the solution.

Indeed, this projected shortfall could be solved, if the number of women in trade positions increased to just one third of the current number of men.

However, the research, commissioned by Kingfisher – owner of B&Q and Screwfix – in partnership with economics consultancy, Cebr, found that over half of the young adults polled (56%) were never encouraged to consider, or provided information about, a trade career when they were at school.

Half of young people (49%) said they have never considered a career in the trades – yet, looking back, 42% would have liked more information about trade roles before deciding on their career path.

The Kingfisher and Cebr findings also revealed that doubling the number of women in this industry would boost growth by over £800m per year.

However, as it is, the current predicted shortages are set to cost the nation up to £12 billion a year in missed economic growth by 2030.

As more homeowners look to improve their property's energy efficiency – with measures such as insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels – electricians, along with carpenters and joiners, are likely to be in shortest supply.

And the West and East Midlands emerged as the regions facing the most significant skilled tradespeople deficits, with both areas forecasted to encounter shortfalls exceeding 35,000.

By 2030, GDP growth in these regions will be reduced by £14.5 billion, and £12.1 billion, respectively, according to the research from Kingfisher and Cebr.

Thierry Garnier, Kingfisher CEO, said: “Tradespeople play a vital role in our economy and society – from improving and maintaining the nation’s homes, to installing energy efficiency measures that cut bills and emissions.

“To maximise the UK’s growth, but also to progress towards net zero over the coming decade, it’s vital that business and Government work together to encourage and support more young people to consider trade roles – particularly young women, who are seriously underrepresented.”

A separate survey of 2,000 adults found that tradesperson shortages are already having an impact across the country, as one in five (19%) have had to cancel or postpone a project in the last five years, due to not being able to find a suitable tradesperson.

And over a third (37%) feel young people are discouraged – by parents, schools, and the government – from considering a trade career.

Among parents, 61% think children are being put off from trade careers by a focus from schools on academic, rather than vocational, career paths.

Thierry Garnier added: “Trade careers are high-quality, skilled jobs, with significant earnings potential, and they should be valued just as highly as career options which require a university degree.”