146,
With regard to the shortage, your lot in Exeter had a shortage when I was contracting there 15 years ago and had a habit of paying less than agricultural wages. Nothing has obviously been learned since then if your problem still persists.
The problem is not going to go away but it is also not helped by the industry not helping people to get on the ladder by offering work experience places, how many peole have been to collegue and have ended up walking away after 2 or 3 years because they can't get a placement?