New research shows that family influence continues to play a central role in encouraging careers in the trades, with more than half of tradespeople saying they were introduced to the industry by a parent.
The findings come from a study carried out by Chadwicks Group, which surveyed 150 tradespeople across Ireland to examine how people enter the construction sector and what motivates them to pursue a trade.
According to the research, 52 per cent of tradespeople were introduced to a career in the trades by a parent, while a further 36 per cent were encouraged by another family member. Overall, 68 per cent said a family member played a role in encouraging them to pursue a trade.
The importance of family run trade businesses was also highlighted, with 85 per cent of respondents saying they are vital to the industry. Many of these businesses act as informal training environments, helping to pass skills from one generation to the next. While 41 per cent of respondents entered the sector through a formal apprenticeship, almost a third said they learned their trade through a family business, often combining hands-on experience with guidance from a parent or relative.
The research also suggests that families remain far more influential than schools when it comes to promoting vocational careers. While one in five tradespeople said a friend encouraged them to enter the industry, only 11 per cent said a teacher played a role. This, the report suggests, points to the need for greater recognition of trades within the education system, despite strong employment prospects and ongoing skills shortages.
As Ireland continues to face challenges in meeting construction demand, the research highlights the importance of strengthening pathways into the trades. Chadwicks Group says it is actively supporting this through partnerships and education initiatives.
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Technological University Dublin, the company has invested 250,000 euro in Ireland’s first Design and Construct Centre. Chadwicks Group also runs a scholarship programme with TU Dublin and sponsors the Apprenticeship Excellence Awards in the School of Architecture, Building and the Environment.
In addition, the company is supplying materials for a new Transition Year module delivered by Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. The programme introduces trade skills in three Dublin secondary schools, offering students practical experience and insight into careers in construction.
Job satisfaction among tradespeople remains high, with 88 per cent saying they are happy with their career choice. An overwhelming 92 per cent said they would recommend pursuing a trade to a family member. When asked to describe what working in a trade in 2026 is like, more than half described it as a highly skilled job, while 29 per cent said their skills are in high demand. Almost a quarter highlighted the physical demands of the work.
Commenting on the findings, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, said:
Our research clearly shows that in Ireland the trades are more than just a career choice, they are often a family tradition. Parents, relatives and family-run businesses continue to play a vital role in introducing young people to the construction industry and passing on skills, knowledge and pride in the work.
However, the findings also highlight the need for greater emphasis on the trades within secondary education. Too often, vocational careers are overlooked in favour of academic pathways, despite offering highly skilled, secure and rewarding employment. At a time when Ireland is facing significant skills shortages, it’s vital that young people are given earlier exposure to the full range of career options available to them.
At Chadwicks Group, we’re committed to supporting that pipeline of future talent, whether through our scholarship programme with TU Dublin or by backing hands-on initiatives at second level that give students real insight into what a career in construction involves.
