250,000
Additional tradespeople needed by 2030
30%
Decline in apprenticeships over the last decade
2x
Faster training with AR technology
Addressing the Skills Gap in UK Trades
The UK is experiencing a growing demand for tradespeople, with a significant shortage of skilled workers in the field services sector. According to recent reports, the UK needs an additional 250,000 tradespeople by 2030 to meet demand, while apprenticeship numbers have fallen by over 30% in the past decade. TrainAR helps organizations quickly build skilled teams through hands-on AR guidance and step-by-step mentoring that accelerates learning and improves retention.
Industry Trends (1975-2023)
The Growing Skills Crisis
The UK trades sector has experienced dramatic shifts over the past five decades. From a peak of 350,000 apprentices in the mid-1970s, numbers fell dramatically to just 53,000 by the mid-1990s. Despite government initiatives leading to a resurgence that peaked at over 500,000 apprentices in 2012/13, recent years have seen another concerning decline.
This decline coincides with a rapidly aging workforce. Since 1991, the proportion of construction workers aged 45 and over has increased by 13%. The 2023 figures show apprenticeship starts at 337,140, with only 23.1% being under 19 years old. This demographic shift, combined with declining apprenticeship numbers, creates an urgent need for innovative training solutions to bridge the growing skills gap.
Costs of Training Apprentices in Field Services
In the UK, training apprentices is both an investment and an opportunity to develop a skilled workforce tailored to your organisation's needs. However, understanding the costs and the return on investment (ROI) is crucial for making informed decisions. TrainAR helps bridge the gap by reducing training costs and accelerating the journey to recouping your investment.
Training Expenses
Government funds 95% of apprenticeship training costs for non-levy-paying employers. £1,000 incentive available for hiring apprentices aged 16-18.
Training Duration
Apprenticeships typically last 1-4 years. TrainAR streamlines this timeline with AI-driven, immersive training that accelerates learning.
ROI Timeline
Annual gains per apprentice range from £2,500 to £18,000. Investment typically recouped within 1-2 years post-apprenticeship.
How do we train the next generation?
How TrainAR Reduces Training Costs
Reduce Training Duration: Streamline learning with interactive, AR-guided modules.
Enhance Productivity: Provide real-time, AI-driven support that enables apprentices to contribute sooner.
Lower Supervision Costs: Minimise the need for direct oversight by equipping apprentices with on-demand guidance.
The Societal Impact of TrainAR
TrainAR helps create skilled workers, support businesses, and build stronger communities through hands-on AR training.
Closing the Skills Gap
Providing scalable solutions to train the next generation efficiently through AR-powered learning, while supporting traditional apprenticeship programs.
Empowering Individuals
Making hands-on training accessible to everyone, improving earnings potential, and building confidence through step-by-step guidance.
Strengthening Businesses
Reducing training time with on-demand guidance, keeping skilled workers longer, and helping companies stay ahead with modern training tools.
Advancing Education
Making learning hands-on with AR experiences, enabling training anywhere, and creating job-specific training programs that work.
Enhancing Safety & Sustainability
Preventing workplace accidents with real-time safety guidance while cutting travel needs through remote training and support.
Building Future Skills
Helping workers master new tools and techniques, supporting local job growth, and encouraging continuous skill development.
Supporting Education
We donate our training modules to schools and colleges free of charge, giving students access to the same AR tools used by professionals. This helps prepare the next generation of skilled workers for real-world success in construction and trades.
By combining reliable data, hands-on learning, and flexible customization, TrainAR helps field service providers create safer, more productive workplaces—built to thrive in the face of ongoing industry challenges. As a startup dedicated to practical and measurable training outcomes, we're here to support the people who keep essential services running smoothly.