Heavy industry in the UK—across shipbuilding, nuclear manufacturing, offshore wind, defence and energy—relies on tradespeople to deliver critical work. From welders to mechanical fitters, these skilled professionals are essential to keeping projects on track and infrastructure operational.
Today, the demand for trades talent is outpacing supply. In this article, we explore why that’s happening, which roles are most in demand, and how companies can attract and retain skilled workers. We also outline how workforce partners like Intermarine UK are helping bridge the gap.
The rising demand for skilled trades across sectors
Tradespeople are at the centre of the UK’s industrial ambitions. As sectors expand, so does the need for practical, hands-on expertise. The demand for skilled workers is high across multiple key industries.
Marine & shipbuilding
UK shipbuilding is undergoing a resurgence, with the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh aiming to revitalise the sector. Defence programmes such as the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates are driving demand for skilled labour. Alongside these are commercial shipbuilding projects and repair contracts, which are creating a continuous need for experienced trades.
Shipyards are seeing expanded investment, and export opportunities are growing. The scale and complexity of these projects require a reliable pipeline of welders, fabricators and other skilled roles to ensure delivery.
Nuclear manufacturing & maintenance
Nuclear power remains a critical part of the UK’s energy mix. Major infrastructure projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C are creating thousands of jobs, many of which require trade-specific skills. Nuclear sites also demand high levels of compliance and precision, meaning only well-qualified tradespeople are eligible to work there.
What makes this sector unique is its longevity—projects span more than a decade, requiring stable, long-term workforce planning. It’s not just new builds either—existing nuclear assets need maintenance, life-extension work, and decommissioning support, all of which rely on experienced trades.
Offshore wind
The offshore wind sector is expanding at pace. With a government target of 50GW by 2030, there’s a surge in fabrication and installation work, particularly in coastal hubs. Jackets, substations and transition pieces are being built at volume, with UK yards competing for work against international players.
This rapid expansion has created major opportunities for tradespeople—particularly welders, fabricators and mechanical fitters—who are essential to delivering large-scale components on tight deadlines.
Defence
The defence industry continues to generate demand for trades across multiple platforms, from warships and submarines to land systems and aerospace. Projects are often long-term and complex, with surge periods during build and refit phases requiring large numbers of skilled workers at once.
With capability upgrades happening across the UK’s armed forces, the pressure on the labour supply chain remains high. Mechanical fitters, electricians, riggers and pipefitters are particularly in demand.
Energy (Conventional and Renewable)
The broader energy sector is also undergoing a transformation. While nuclear and offshore wind are growing, so too is demand from conventional and emerging energy sources such as hydrogen and carbon capture. Many legacy power stations are being retrofitted, and new facilities are being constructed from the ground up.
Trades roles here are wide-ranging. From electrical installation on control systems to the mechanical fitting of new technologies, energy projects are reliant on a stable, skilled workforce to keep delivery on track.
Key trades roles critical to delivery
Across sectors, there are specific roles that underpin project delivery. Welders are right up the list. They are essential in shipbuilding, nuclear, and offshore wind, where the integrity of each structure relies on precision and quality.
Fabricators follow closely, cutting and assembling metal components into sub-assemblies and complete modules. They’re a key part of heavy manufacturing environments, especially in shipyards and fabrication facilities supporting offshore wind and defence.
Mechanical fitters are vital across energy and defence projects. They install and maintain complex mechanical systems, ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their role often extends into commissioning, making them essential in the final phases of any major project.
Electricians are consistently in demand. From wiring ships and nuclear facilities to installing control panels and systems in energy plants, their work is critical at both the construction and maintenance stages.
Other essential trades include pipefitters, riggers, platers, CNC machinists and industrial painters. These professionals bring the technical capability needed to maintain momentum on complex infrastructure and industrial projects.
What factors are driving demand
Several structural and economic forces are converging to push demand higher for tradespeople.
One major factor is the ageing workforce. Across the UK, many skilled tradespeople are nearing retirement. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), 22% of construction workers are over 50, while only 10% are under 25. That imbalance is echoed across shipbuilding, energy, and nuclear. As these experienced workers leave, they take with them decades of knowledge, creating a significant skills gap.
Another key driver is the scale and number of infrastructure projects underway. From the construction of Hinkley Point C to the build-out of Dogger Bank—the world’s largest offshore wind farm—the UK is delivering some of the most ambitious infrastructure in its history. At the same time, the MoD is progressing with multiple naval shipbuilding programmes. These projects often overlap, creating a surge in demand for the same types of skilled workers in different parts of the country.
Brexit has also had an impact. Many industries had previously relied on skilled European workers to supplement domestic supply. Since the UK’s departure from the EU, access to that talent has tightened, increasing the pressure on local recruitment and retention.
Finally, there’s a shortage of effective training routes. Traditional apprenticeships and vocational colleges have declined over the past decade. As a result, fewer young people are entering the trades, and those that do often require significant support to reach full productivity. This limited pipeline of new workers is contributing to long-term skills shortages.
How to attract and retain trades talent
With demand outpacing supply, businesses need to be proactive in how they attract and retain skilled trades. Competitive pay is part of the equation, but it’s no longer the only factor.
Tradespeople also look for consistency. Secure contracts, predictable hours and a clear schedule matter. Sites that offer steady work with fair treatment tend to build strong reputations among workers.
Progression is another key consideration. Providing access to upskilling—such as coded welding or specialist electrical certifications—can make a significant difference. Supporting tradespeople to move into supervisory or technical roles also helps retain top performers.
Working conditions and culture can’t be overlooked. Tradespeople want to work in environments that are safe, organised and respectful. Good communication, clear expectations and strong site leadership all contribute to a better working experience—and higher retention.
Finally, reputation counts. Workers often choose employers based on word-of-mouth. Being known for paying on time, providing proper PPE, and treating people fairly can set a company apart in a tight labour market.
How Intermarine UK supports continuity
At Intermarine UK, we specialise in connecting skilled trades with the projects that need them most. We understand the technical requirements, safety standards and timelines that define heavy industry—and we build our workforce strategies around those needs.
Our recruitment team brings sector-specific expertise. We know what good looks like in each role, whether it’s welding, fabrication, or electrical work. We assess every candidate not just for skills, but for reliability and readiness to deliver in high-pressure environments.
We also offer flexible workforce models. That might mean mobilising a team of contractors for a short-term refit or building a long-term partnership to support phased project delivery. We can scale up or down as needed, with coverage across the UK.
Our priority is quality. We maintain close relationships with our workers and our clients, ensuring consistency and performance throughout the contract. On-site check-ins, regular feedback, and proactive support all help minimise disruption and keep work on schedule.
We also support strategic workforce planning. By providing market insights, benchmarking and access to emerging talent, we help clients build more resilient project teams and avoid future skills gaps.
Conclusion
Heavy industry in the UK is growing—but it can only succeed if it has the workforce to support it. From defence and shipbuilding to nuclear and energy, tradespeople are at the core of delivery. Right now, that workforce is under pressure, with ageing demographics, high project volume and limited new entrants all contributing to a tightening labour market.
To attract and retain the talent needed, employers must offer more than just a payslip. They need to invest in working conditions, career progression, and long-term partnerships.
At Intermarine UK, we help clients meet that challenge. We provide the skilled tradespeople needed to keep projects moving safely and efficiently. If you need support building your workforce, talk to us today.
