Apprenticeship schemes too complex to hire, warns Screwfix boss

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

Screwfix CEO John Mewett has criticized the UK’s apprenticeship system for its administrative complexity and rising employment costs, which discourage many businesses from hiring and training young workers despite available government funding. This issue exacerbates the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the UK and has sparked calls for government reforms to simplify apprenticeship procedures and improve support for employers.

The chief executive of trade retailer Screwfix has raised concerns about the complexity of apprenticeship schemes in the UK, warning that bureaucratic obstacles and rising employment costs are deterring businesses from hiring young workers. John Mewett emphasized that many employers, including sole traders, wish to train apprentices but are discouraged by the administrative burden involved.

In a letter addressed to The Times, Mewett highlighted that employers face challenges at every stage of the apprenticeship process, from completing paperwork to managing the workload of apprentices. As a result, many withdraw from these programs despite government funding incentives. The UK government currently offers support of up to £8,000 through various apprenticeship schemes, but the complexity of the application and management process means that a significant proportion of employers do not claim these funds.

Mewett cited findings from a recent Screwfix survey of 700 trade professionals, which revealed that nearly half of those who hired apprentices in the previous year received no funding due to difficulties navigating the system. This issue persists even though apprenticeship frameworks are designed to be developed jointly by employers and training providers, with legal and financial oversight provided by the government.

The warning comes amid a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople in Britain. According to Screwfix data, only 24 percent of workers in trade occupations are aged 44 or younger, underlining the challenges employers face in attracting and retaining new talent. The shortage has prompted calls for reforms to simplify apprenticeship funding and procedures to better support young workers entering the trades.

Speaking recently on vocational education, Labour politician Andy Burnham advocated for greater recognition of skilled trades, stating that society should "value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap." This reflects broader concerns about the status and support for technical education pathways.

Mewett urged the government to streamline funding access and create incentives that encourage the hiring and training of apprentices rather than imposing barriers. The government has been approached for comment regarding these concerns.

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