The UK’s next generation of bathroom installers say the job is changing fast, with smart technology, DIY culture and social media shaping what customers expect long before a professional arrives on site.
Bathroom manufacturer nuielux interviewed apprentices from across the UK to understand their day-to-day experiences, how technology is changing the industry and how they are balancing traditional skills with fast-emerging trends.
Image above: apprentice Freddie Hatcher
The findings suggest a sector in transition – one where installers must balance traditional craft with an industry increasingly driven by innovation and digital trends.
Justin Mills, apprentice at PG Plumbing, Heating and Maintenance says: “I’ve seen revolutionary technology at trade shows that I haven’t even seen in my daily work life yet, and it’s incredible. The growth in technology is amazing.
“When it comes down to it, things will get easier, smarter and better, especially for the DIYer. Things like SpeedFit and Hep2O for pipe installation are becoming a lot more popular with pros as they’re a lot easier to adapt to copper, and they give amateurs a simple solution as well.
“In the future it’ll be a case of balancing those benefits and challenges. Applying the tech where it does make things easier, but making sure customers know that some jobs will always need a professional installer’s expertise to avoid anything going wrong. That’s going to be the way forwards I reckon.”
The downside to DIY
Jonjo Wright, apprentice with Wright Plumbing and Heating adds: “We quite often get asked to renovate or install a bathroom and we’ll turn up to find that the old one has already been ripped out. People think it’s going to save time and money by having that part of the job done before we arrive. Maybe they’ve done it themselves, or they’ve hired someone cheap to come and do it.
“In some cases, it does save them money, but other times they’ve stripped out important things that we as installers need to access before we start knocking things about. So it can, in the long run, cost more and make our job more difficult.
“It’s always best to speak with a professional before you make a start and make sure, they’re happy with what parts of the job they’re doing.”
Social media influence
Commenting on how social media is driving customers to ask for more, apprentice Freddie Hatcher says: “I think expectations in bathrooms are higher than they’ve ever been, and it’s down to social media. Most of the time the customer’s preferred look can all be played into with lighting and the right products.
“One positive side of online bathroom trends is that they encourage people to seek the highest quality products they possibly can, but as an installer, you do have to help people realise they can’t achieve exactly the look they’ve seen online by themselves. They need to speak to someone who is trained up in bathroom fitting and knows how to find the right products.”
Jonjo Wright agrees, adding: “Bathrooms are sort of becoming like the new kitchens. They’re actually quite a bit of money, particularly with the new styles of bathrooms that prioritise style and luxury. A lot of work goes into achieving that, so for us it’s a case of managing customer expectations.”
“The bathroom installation industry holds huge potential for innovation and positive change, both now and in the future,” comments Colm Lalor, Commercial Director at nuielux. “Skilled installers are at the centre of this progress. Skilled installers are at the heart of this. These apprentices are navigating a changing landscape where smart solutions, professional expertise, and customer education must go hand in hand. It’s vital that the next generation of installers feel supported and equipped with the right tools to deliver great results.”
Watch the video of Freddie, Jonjo and Justin being interviewed here.
