Spring marks a pivotal time in the academic calendar, as students begin considering their future careers. Many will gain valuable insights this week as part of National Careers Week 2025, an initiative that helps shape their professional aspirations. While technology, finance, and creative industries continue to attract young talent, the building services sector often remains overlooked.

A 2023 survey revealed that only 6% of young people in the UK expressed interest in a career in building services. This lack of engagement exacerbates the industry’s ongoing labor shortages.

When asked why they do not consider working in the industry, many students cited a lack of awareness about the sector’s diverse and technology-driven opportunities. Additionally, prevailing misconceptions paint building services as a labour-intensive, male-dominated industry that requires specific skills they may not possess. In essence, the industry has an image problem.

However, attracting young talent is just the beginning. Despite the availability of apprenticeships and training programs, awareness of these opportunities remains low and apprenticeship starts decreased by 5% in the 2022/23 academic year. 

Furthermore, recently published data from the Department of Education revealed a 38% drop in completed apprenticeships, falling from 12,420 in 2018 to 7,700 in 2022. Retention is therefore just as important as attraction for the industry to survive.

How Watsons Building Services Attracts and Retains New Talent

Morgan Davies joined Watsons as a trainee in 2017 and is now a Mechanical Design & Projects Engineer

At Watsons Building Services, our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our team. Investing in new talent is essential to our company’s long-term growth, and we have implemented proactive strategies to address industry challenges. Through strategic partnerships and apprenticeship programs, we provide young professionals with clear career pathways and the skills necessary for success.

Raising Awareness

A primary barrier to attracting young talent is a lack of understanding about the modern building services industry. To address this, we have established partnerships with local colleges, universities, and technical schools to introduce students to the wide range of career opportunities available. Through guest lectures, career fairs, and internship programs, we showcase how digital and technical skills are as essential to our field as traditional trade skills.

Beyond educational institutions, Watsons engages with industry leaders and the broader community through conferences and events, highlighting career prospects and the benefits of working in our sector.

Professional Development

Our apprenticeship programs are designed to equip new recruits with the skills and experience they need to thrive. By blending structured learning with hands-on experience, we prepare apprentices for the industry’s demands while broadening their career prospects.

A key feature of our program is mentorship - each apprentice is paired with an experienced professional who provides guidance, technical expertise, and career advice. This support helps apprentices develop not only technical skills but also professional and interpersonal competencies, ensuring they become well-rounded professionals.

Additionally, we collaborate with leading educational institutions and industry bodies to ensure our apprenticeships align with current industry standards and best practices.

By reshaping industry perceptions, increasing visibility, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions, Watsons Building Services is committed to attracting and retaining top talent. The future of our industry depends on inspiring the next generation to contribute to sustainable, efficient, and innovative building solutions, and we pride ourselves on our proactive approach to addressing these challenges.