Source: Compiled using CITB-ConstructionSkills 2003, tables 21-29

Current and anticipated skill shortages in plumbing have been identified across all regions. Some regions, such as the South East, East of England, West and East Midlands, Greater London, report more current skill shortages than others.

Anticipated skill shortages are identified in regions such as North East, East Midlands, Eastern, South East, West Midlands and Greater London.

Paradoxically, regions with relatively low levels of demand for experienced plumbers were more likely to have employers committed to training (including South West, Yorkshire and Humber, Wales and Highlands and Islands) and those in areas with recruitment problems were least likely to train (such as London, the Eastern regions).

In heating, ventilation and air conditioning, the highest skill gaps are in the East Midlands and Eastern regions. Employers in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and the Eastern region as well as in Wales often have difficulty in finding training courses for their specialisms in the vicinity.

Source: ESTELL 2002a, BPEC 2000a and DfEE 2000