Tools Before TikTok: 70% of Young Adults Want to Learn a Trade Skill
New Chadwicks research examines views on careers in construction
Tradespeople and social media personalities Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle partner with Chadwicks to encourage young adults to learn more about a trades career
Key findings
· 70% of 16–24-year-olds in Ireland are keen to learn trade skills outside of their normal school day
· Almost half (47%) have not had the opportunity to learn a trade in school
· Over a third (38%) say the benefits of pursuing an apprenticeship are not promoted as much as college or university courses at school
· 1 in 5 (22%) feel they don’t receive enough information to make informed career decisions after leaving school
· Currently only 30% of parents or guardians would be likely to encourage their child to consider an apprenticeship
· 80% of tradespeople in Ireland have encountered others in their line of work who switched from a different career path
· The main reasons for switching were a desire for more hands-on work (28%), career dissatisfaction (23%), and wanting greater flexibility over their work schedule (23%)
Seven in ten (70%) of 16-24-year-olds would like to learn a trade skill outside of their regular school hours, yet nearly half (47%) have never had the opportunity to do so in school1. That’s according to new research from Chadwicks, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant.
The Chadwicks study which was carried out to examine perceptions of careers in the trades surveyed 200 people aged 16-24, 250 parents and 100 tradespeople. While schools are improving at promoting vocational pathways, over a third (38%) of young adults say the benefits of apprenticeships are still not promoted as strongly as university or college courses. One in five (22%) feel that they have not received enough information to make informed career decisions when leaving school.
To mark the new school year, Chadwicks has partnered with Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle to inspire a new generation to consider a career in construction. Cork native Eoin Reardon swapped a commerce degree for carpentry during the COVID-19 lockdowns, turning his new passion into a full-time career. His videos showcasing traditional woodworking techniques have gone viral, and he has amassed a global following of 3.4 million on TikTok alone. Meanwhile, Shauna Doyle from Carlow transitioned from beauty therapy to her family’s paving business after maternity leave, mastering tarmac laying and thriving in the trade ever since.
Parental power
Parents and guardians remain the most influential voices in career decisions (52%), but just 30% say they would be likely to encourage their child to consider an apprenticeship2. Encouragingly, 79% say that hearing real stories from tradespeople would make them more open to recommending trade careers for their children.
Switching into the trades is common
Of the tradespeople polled, 80% have encountered colleagues who switched into the trades from a different career path, echoing Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle’s journeys. The top reasons for switching included a desire for more hands-on work (28%), career dissatisfaction (23%), and greater flexibility over working hours (23%).
An opportunity for connection
The findings suggest a powerful opportunity: 86% of tradespeople would be open to sharing their experiences with students, potentially bridging the gap in career knowledge.
Demonstrating its commitment to fostering growth in the sector, Chadwicks is supplying materials for a new Transition Year module, delivered by Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. It teaches trade skills in three Dublin secondary schools, giving students hands-on experience and an insight into what a career in construction entails.
Chadwicks’ partnerships with TU Dublin and WorldSkills Ireland further underline its commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of skilled workers.
Commenting on the findings, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group said: “At Chadwicks, we understand the importance of using our industry position to promote more people to enter the sector to meet the levels of demand the industry is experiencing. This research shows there is real appetite among young people to learn trade skills, but also a clear need for better information and awareness about the opportunities a trade career can offer. Through our initiatives with Dublin Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, TU Dublin and WorldSkills Ireland, we’re proud to play our part in showcasing the exciting, rewarding futures available in the trades.”
Eoin Reardon added: "I never imagined I’d end up as a woodworker. Leaving school, I always saw myself working an office job, but during lockdown I picked up a saw and chisel and discovered a love for woodworking that completely changed my path. What started to pass time turned into a career that gives me both creativity and purpose every day. I think it’s so important that students get the opportunity to learn about all different career options so that they know what suits them best – take me as proof!’
Shauna Doyle concluded: “When I left my job as a beauty therapist to have my little boy, I never imagined I’d end up in construction. I started from the basics in my family’s business, learning every part of the job, and now, eight years on, I love the challenge and variety the trade brings. My journey was a bit unconventional, but apprenticeships give young people the chance to get proper training and support from the start, while still building a career that’s hands-on and rewarding."