New Chadwicks Group research highlights strong interest in trade careers and the importance of making apprenticeship pathways accessible to all young people

• 89% of 16–24-year-olds would consider joining a family business, and 93% would feel proud to continue it
• 68% have a family member who works or previously worked in a trade
• Over half (58%) have spent time in a trade-related workplace through a family connection
• 81% believe apprenticeships are easier to access if you already have family in the trades
• 43% are aware of apprenticeships but don’t know where to begin, highlighting the need for greater awareness of pathways into the industry

Almost nine in ten (89%) young adults would consider joining a family business and 93% would feel proud to continue it, according to new research from Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading building merchanting company*.

The research, conducted among 200 young adults aged 16 to 24 and 150 tradespeople, highlights the important role family connections continue to play in introducing the next generation to careers in the trades, while revealing a need to make apprenticeship pathways clearer and more accessible to young people regardless of their family background.

The findings suggest family members can play an important role in giving young people early exposure to skilled careers. More than two-thirds (68%) of young adults surveyed have a family member who currently works or previously worked in a trade. Over half (58%) have spent time on a building site or in a trade-related workplace through a family connection, while 47% have been offered the opportunity to learn trade skills informally through a relative.

For young adults, the biggest perceived benefit of working in a family business is job security and stability, cited by 39%, while tradespeople are most likely to value the trust that comes with working alongside family (49%).

However, the research also highlights the importance of ensuring young people can explore careers in the trades regardless of whether they have an existing family connection to the industry. More than eight in ten (81%) young adults believe apprenticeships are easier to access for those who already have family working in the trades.

While there is an awareness of apprenticeships among young people, there is an opportunity to provide greater clarity around how to take the first step. More than two in five (43%) say they are aware of apprenticeships but don’t know where to begin, while only a quarter (26%) know how to apply for one.

Commenting on the findings, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group, said: “It is encouraging to see so many young people interested in following family members into the trades. The construction industry offers highly skilled and rewarding careers, and apprenticeships provide an important pathway to gain practical experience and develop those skills.

“Family connections can be a valuable introduction to the industry, and we want to ensure that all young people can explore the opportunities available to them. Apprenticeships offer an accessible and attractive route into a rewarding career, which is why initiatives such as our TU Dublin scholarship programme and support for the Apprenticeship Excellence Awards are so important.”

As part of an ongoing partnership, Chadwicks Group has invested €250,000 in Ireland’s first Design + Construct Centre and supports a scholarship programme with TU Dublin. It also sponsors the Apprenticeship Excellence Awards at the university’s School of Architecture, Building and Environment. Together, these initiatives reflect Chadwicks Group’s continued commitment to supporting education, apprenticeships and pathways into careers in the construction industry.