Glazing’s Skills Gap: We Need to Act Now

Dave Broxton, Bohle’s Managing Director, explains why investing in the next generation of installers is essential to closing the industry’s skills gap and securing the future of the trade.

“There’s a worrying statistic doing the rounds: Screwfix’s 2025 Voice of the Trade report found that one in four tradespeople plan to retire in the next five years. That’s a quarter of our industry’s experience, skill, and know-how preparing to hang up their tools.

“For an industry already struggling to fill vacancies, that’s a wake-up call we can’t ignore.

“Because while AI and innovation are transforming how we work, we still rely on skilled people to get the job done – people who can measure, fit, seal and finish to the high standards our customers expect.

“Without them, we’re heading for a skills chasm that could hold the whole industry back.

Skilled Pathways

“That’s why Bohle is proud to support the Glass & Glazing Federation’s (GGF) Skilled Pathways programme – a structured route designed to recruit, train and qualify new trainees.

“As part of our commitment to the programme, every new student who starts their Skilled Pathways journey receives a full Bohle toolkit packed with the high-quality, professional-grade tools they’ll need to get started, along with a branded backpack to carry them in.

“It’s more than just a gesture; it’s a statement of belief in their future and in the value of practical skills. Because when we talk about skills, we’re not just talking about labour.

“We’re talking about craft. About pride. About giving new installers the confidence that they’re part of something that matters.

Supporting apprentices and trainees “good for business”

“I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that people remember who gave them their start. Supporting apprentices and trainees isn’t just good for them – it’s good for business. They bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. They ask questions that make us rethink old habits. And with the right training and support, they quickly grow into the kind of skilled professionals this industry desperately needs.

“We also know that it’s not easy for employers to take on new recruits when the market feels uncertain. Training takes time and money, and every hour spent mentoring is an hour away from the next job. But the reality is, investing in people is the only sustainable way forward.

“The generation now preparing to retire didn’t get here by accident – they were taught, trained and supported by others. It’s our turn to do the same.

“The glass and glazing sector has an incredible story to tell, full of opportunity for anyone willing to learn and work hard. But we can’t expect the next generation to find their way unaided. They need guidance, investment, and a little encouragement.

“The toolkit may just be the start – but for many, it’s the moment they realise they belong here. And that, for me, is what building the future of this amazing trade is all about.”

For more about Bohle’s product and service offer, visit www.bohle.com