Robin Clevett Chats To Builders About Sorting Out The Skills Crisis

Robin Clevett is looking into why and how Builders are taking matters into their own hands as they try to address the skills crisis. Why is there not support coming from industry and are some of those that are supposed to be in your best interest actually working against you here? Robin looks into what the best routes into the industry would be for school leavers, How we could do better with options for school leavers, Where the missed opportunities are and more. Guests: DIY SOS Build Manager, Tom Davis & Screwfix Top Tradesperson Winner, Martin Daly

Robin Clevett chats to ITV Weather Presenter, Alex Beresford about the recent heat waves and what we can expect this summer. Alex also talks about his experiences working alonside Robin on his home renovation project and his appreciation for Carpentry.Charlie Cameron from Treehouse Life talks about how he's navigating the hot weather this summer in the UK and how it compares to having worked in climates around the world, from the East Coast in America to Qatar! 

Robin Clevett brings you a show recorded at his zone within the Professional Woodworking Expo as he was joined by students, teachers and mentors to celebrate and showcase skills for the attendees of the show. Robin takes you through his concept, talks with some of the people who have joined him and shares his experiences across the three days.

Robin Clevett talks to Gary Banks and Derek Barrett about the psychology of pricing work. Robin asks about how they factor their knowledge and decades of building up their skills as well as terms and conditions and how we avoid working for little to no profit, just because it's going to be an enjoyable project.Robin also comments on the CITB's plans around apprenticeships and shares his own thoughts on the approach to pricing jobs.

Robin Clevett looks into the role Tradespeople/Builders and Carpenters can simetimes find themselves in when they take on a job and have to be the go-between or middle man in the working relationship between the customer and the architect. Robin talks to a previous customer (Callum Davies-Russell) about his experiences working with Robin and an Architect on his project. Robin also chats to Paul Clarke from an Architectural company that has hired him to take on pre-construction consultations with customers, due to his experience on the tools as a General Builder....And friend of the show and top quality House Builder, Jack Auletta shares his first hand experiences and insight into how to manage this working relationship.

Robin Clevett talks to fellow Carpenter, David Byrne & Also Fix Radio Presenter, Paul Meenan and asks them about AI, their experiences with AI, Whether it's good, bad, neither and also what impact it could have on the trade and those working in it.Robin ponders whether more people might look to join the trade in the future due to AI eliminating other jobs and careers and if that's a good or a bad thing. Robin also talks about the use of AI in the trade - both by Tradespeople and customers and shares his thoughts on the topic as well.

Robin Clevett chats to Oli Carter who has five years experience exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show and takes on very ambitious projects as an 'adventurous joiner'. Oli talks about how he approaches design, concepts and pushing what's possible with timber.

In this episode, Robin Clevett explores whether demand is slowing across the carpentry and joinery sector after hearing concerns from tradespeople working in the bespoke outdoor build market. Carpenter Josh Richard shares how he currently wins work and generate leads, how demand has been this year, and how far ahead he’s booked. Later, Dan Brown is asked about demand for bespoke carpentry work, what tradespeople are saying about any slowdown, and whether customer attitudes to pricing are changing. We also hear from Richard Wagner, who catches up with Robin about training courses, adapting to different types of work when things are quiet, and what they’ve got planned next.

In this episode, Robin Clevett shares two stories from Carpentry and Joinery centred around apprenticeships. First, apprentice Rhys Mitchell joins us to share his journey into the trade, the lessons he’s learned on site, and what it took to reach the finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition. We’ll also hear from Mark Bradshaw, Curriculum Manager at Northampton College, who has won awards for his work Carpentry apprentices. From hands-on projects at Delapré Abbey to the challenges facing apprenticeships today, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real stories from the trade.

Sean Matthews joins Robin at the Fix Radio studios to talk about managing customer expectations and the nightmare of dealing with customers when you try to be accomodating and they take the mick in return. Sean also talks about current work, enquiries and challenges faced recently.