As the UK’s construction industry faces a growing skills shortage, Fix Radio – the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to builders and tradespeople – is taking action with ‘The Inspiration Zone’ at their inaugural music festival, FixFest, providing a dedicated space at the festival designed to engage, educate, and inspire the next generation of tradespeople.

As the government announces plans to train 60,000 construction workers by 2029, backed by over £600 million in investment, a new report from REC and Lightcast has revealed that 1.5M job vacancies were advertised across the UK construction sector last month, the industry is experiencing its sharpest decline in activity since the global financial crisis. Meanwhile, Fix Radio’s own national research has exposed the full scale of Britain’s workforce crisis, highlighting that these measures still fail to address the UK’s skills shortage:

  • 65% of Brits were never encouraged to consider a career in trade or construction during their education.
  • 24% of Brits did not pursue a trade career due to a lack of role models in the industry.
  • Over a third of the sector’s workforce is over 50, with nearly three-fifths planning to retire by 65, creating an impending labour shortage.
  • Apprenticeship starts have plummeted, from over 500,000 in 2011-12 to just 337,140 in 2022-23, with high dropout rates further compounding the issue.

With firms looking to expand their workforce but struggling to attract young talent, FixFest’s Inspiration Zone will provide a hands-on, engaging experience aimed at breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to pick up the tools.

A space to learn, connect, and be inspired

The Inspiration Zone will be a hub of activity, where festivalgoers can:

  • Explore different trades and try out essential skills in an interactive, hands-on environment.
  • Engage with industry-leading experts for advice on career paths, training opportunities, and skills development.
  • Discover the latest tools and technology shaping the future of the trade.
  • Meet Fix Radio presenters, including Danny Madden, Robin Clevett, Chris Frediani, and more.

Speaking about the initiative, Louis Timpany, CEO of Fix Radio, said: “We’re delighted to share news of The Inspiration Zone, an immersive festival area where tradespeople can explore different trades, speak to industry-leading experts and get hands-on with the latest innovative tools.

“This is more than just a fun area of the festival; we want it to inspire. The trade community is currently facing a well-documented skills shortage. We know that attendees of FixFest won’t just be tradespeople, and we hope the Inspiration Zone can encourage others to pick up the tools.

“Within this zone, you can meet some of the Fix Radio presenters, such as Danny Madden, Robin Clevett, Chris Frediani, and more!”

Taking place on Saturday 30 August at the South of England Showground, FixFest is the UK’s first-ever music festival for the trade. With a lineup headlined by Dizzee Rascal, and featuring acts such as Scouting for Girls, and Toploader, alongside a dedicated Wellness Hub, trade exhibitions, and The Inspiration Zone, it’s more than just a party – it’s a movement to support, celebrate, and strengthen the trade industry.

As the skills crisis deepens, FixFest offers a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of tradespeople and provide them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a future in the industry.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit https://fixfest.co.uk/tickets/