From plumbers to electricians, plasterers to builders, most of us need to hire a trader at some point. But what's it like to work in the industry, and how has it been affected by changes such as Brexit, the pandemic and inflation? How should you go about finding a trader who is trustworthy and will deliver quality work?

In recent decades, going into a 'trade' has not been as strongly encouraged as to going to university, but tradespeople of all kinds are in short supply, so what is being done to encourage more young people to take up a trowel or pick up a drill?

Evan Davis and guests discuss.

CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Day - Electrician, Mayday Electrical Solutions Ltd.

Kalece Okunsanya - Decorator - Suave Property Care

Will Davies - Co founder , Aspect Property Maintenance

Tim Balcon - CEO, Construction Industry Training Board

Peter Gordon - Listener

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball
Editor: China Collins
Sound: Tim Heffer and Graham Puddifoot
Prod. Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman