Two thirds of installers could leave the industry, according to the results of the British Institute of  Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) annual State of the Industry survey.

It found almost 60% of installers would consider switching their transferable skills to another industry, such as renewable energy, with the main driver as financial gain or better opportunities.

Speaking at its annual conference, chief executive of the BiKBBI Damian Walters stated: “You should ask yourself what the industry might look like with over half of our already short and depleted workforce simply walking out of our industry in search of a better life.

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“The only conclusion you could possibly come to is that this would lead to certain catastrophe beyond that of a swollen lead time that caused chaos in 2021 and 2022.

“Perhaps 20-30 week lead times become the new norm – what would that do to your business?

“This data would trouble me in normal circumstances but when you add the fact that there is already a huge disparity between the demand from retailers and consumers versus the available skilled, competent, professional KBB installers, this could be catastrophic for our sector.”

The survey further revealed more than half of respondents 53% believe the Government does not do enough to support small businesses in taking on an apprentice and a third cited too much red tape

Damian Walter said: “It seems there is still much work for us to do in convincing the KBB installer community in investing in young people is the only solution for us to build a workforce for the future.

“It looks like we have to step up our game, to make sure the stakeholders have all the facts and truly understand the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their business and the wider industry.”

Walters said society still believes university is the best option for young people but pointed out: “Vocational learning has advanced at a staggering pace with modern apprenticeships offering a solid alternative to an academic learning with far stronger prospects and earning potential for those who choose this option.”