nuOct 10, 2026, 05:15

More plumbing companies, yet a shortage of skilled workers persists

Although the number of plumbing businesses in the Netherlands has surged by nearly 60 percent since 2016, the sector continues to face a significant shortage of skilled workers. Rising demand for sustainability projects and an aging workforce are driving a persistent labor gap that exceeds the current supply of new professionals.

The number of registered plumbing businesses in the Netherlands has grown significantly, reaching 11,500 in the third quarter of this year. This represents an increase of nearly 60 percent compared to 2016 figures, as more than 700 new businesses were established during the first nine months of this year alone. However, the sector simultaneously faces an uptick in business closures, with 628 companies deregistering in the same period.

Despite the rise in company registrations, industry organization Techniek Nederland reports a persistent shortage of skilled professionals due to heightened demand for home sustainability upgrades and new construction projects. While enrollment in relevant vocational training programs has increased by 20 percent over the last four years, the industry currently struggles with approximately 30,000 open vacancies. Experts warn that the sector needs more people choosing technical careers or retraining as plumbers to offset the looming labor gap caused by an aging workforce.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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