As a plumbing services company, Ace Plumbing Repair, we know that finding high-quality employees is never an easy task. As the plumbing industry continues to grow being able to effectively fill plumbing positions becomes more and more challenging. That’s why it’s great to see companies like JTL doing their part to bridge the skilled labor gap.
JTL’s New Campaign
For those who aren’t familiar with JTL, it’s a not-for-profit business that has been dedicated to improving training and apprenticeships in the electrical, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and plumbing industries for over 30 years. Recently, JTL launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging potential candidates and employers to invest in apprenticeships as a practical way to help solve the skilled labor crisis.
The new campaign focuses on introducing employers to a new model that uses digital methods to easily track the progress and development of their apprentices. By utilizing this digital platform, JTL makes it easier for apprentices to receive the support they need throughout their training and for employers to monitor the progress of their trainees.

Importance of Skilled Labor in the Plumbing Industry
According to recent statistics, the demand for skilled labor in the plumbing industry is projected to increase by around 14 percent between 2020 to 2030, much higher than the average for all other occupations. In addition, when it comes to filling plumbing positions, there’s already a considerable decline in the number of people choosing this career path.
These numbers are starting to hit the industry hard, mainly because skilled labor is crucial to the success of any plumbing business. An inability to find those with the appropriate training and experience can lead to costly mistakes, poor customer experiences, and reputational harm, all of which can negatively affect cash flow.
Why Invest in Apprenticeships?
Opting for an apprenticeship program is a fantastic way to develop trainees’ plumbing skills. These kinds of programs give individuals the right combination of hands-on experience and technical classroom training, providing them with the necessary foundation for a successful career in plumbing.

For employers, apprenticeships can provide significant contributions to the business’s long-term success. They enable the right construction of plumbing and efficient functions by providing workers with expert skills to handle numerous complex plumbing installations. The passing of knowledge from generation to generation helps maintain the core values of plumbing – safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Apprenticeships also come at little-to-no cost to employers, thanks to the government enrolling these programs in funded schemes. In most cases, there is no direct cost that needs to be passed down to the employer, who benefits from having a trained employee at hand.
Other Benefits of Investing in Skilled Labor
Hiring skilled labor specialists brings numerous benefits for any plumbing operation. Some of these benefits include:
1. Boost Productivity
Highly-trained plumbers can work faster and more proficiently, allowing the company to finish the projects quicker and, therefore, improve its revenue.
2. Minimize Risks
When a plumbing service operation hires competent people, the chances of accidents decreases, reducing costs associated with personal injury.
3. Increase Customer Satisfaction
Highly-trained employees provide better quality work than less-skilled employees. The satisfaction of customers translates into a profitable enterprise.
4. Expand Offerings
With trained plumbers, businesses can undertake complex services, such as remodeling, renovations, and plumbing repairs.
In summary, investing in skilled labor can help plumbing business operations maintain cost and time-efficient practices by employing trained individuals. The availability of apprenticeship programs such as the ones offered by JTL can make finding skilled, aspiring apprentices a breeze. When the right blend of training and experience is established, plumbing companies can enjoy unparalleled benefits associated with quality workforce. For a competitive advantage in the industry, increasing investments in apprenticeships is the way to go.