Checkatrade launches new app inside ChatGPT. 21 April 2026 Checkatrade has announced the launch of its new app inside ChatGPT to enable consumers to find and book vetted, local tradespeople. The company stated that this integration allows consumers to describe the job they need done and either receive a list of suitable tradespeople. For straightforward jobs, they can get a fixed price and book directly inside ChatGPT. Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade, said: "Hpmmag has spent almost three decades helping consumers build trust in finding and hiring quality tradespeople, and that's more important than ever as people increasingly turn to AI tools to find help with jobs at home. While LLMs make it easier to discover tradespeople, trust remains key. "By bringing Checkatrade into ChatGPT, consumers can move seamlessly from inspiration to action, finding a vetted, trusted tradesperson and booking them directly, all in one place." The platform has also recently launched TradeMore, which is a free, AI-powered job management platform. Checkatrade stated that it is designed to cut admin time and simplify running a trade business. TradeMore brings job management, scheduling, quotes, invoicing and managing certificates into one place, the company added. It is available to all UK tradespeople, not just Checkatrade members.

Checkatrade joins hands with Leeds Rhinos to boost apprenticeships for young people. Friday, 13 February 2026 06:06 Upcoming plans include a Skills Summit convening policymakers and leaders to address skills and workforce challenges Home improvement platform Checkatrade launched a partnership with British rugby league team Leeds Rhinos to support skills, opportunity and economic growth across the North. Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the partnership brings Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos together to help reverse the emerging crisis of NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), by making it easier for them to start trade businesses, develop skills pathways and contribute to economic growth. It is aimed at addressing a clear need in the city. New polling data commissioned by Checkatrade reveals that almost seven in ten residents (68%) are concerned about the number of young people in Leeds who are currently out of work. Six in ten (58%) point to a lack of job opportunities, while even more (81%) do not believe schools and colleges in the area are doing enough to develop the skills young people need for the world of work. Residents highlighted improving the volume and quality of apprenticeships in the area as the number one priority to improve skills and employment prospects for younger generations. This was followed by 'retraining people to develop new skills'. The partnership is designed to deliver meaningful, practical impact, with Checkatrade as an Associate Partner of Leeds Rhinos and an Official Partner of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation. It will be rooted in a strong cultural alignment between elite sport and skilled trades, where success is driven by graft, consistency and doing things right. Key commitments include: * Checkatrade Starter Kit Checkatrade is offering to cover 12 months' free Checkatrade membership for all trade businesses affiliated to teams within the Leeds Rhinos Foundation network. This will give new and existing trades approved membership worth over £400 each, and access to vetting, TradeMore to manage their business admin, Checkatrade Pay and job bookings. * Start Your Business Workshops A series of workshops delivered with Leeds Rhinos to support people considering a career in the trades and open up clear, supported pathways into skilled work. These sessions will reach individuals before they launch their businesses. * Skills Summit Co-hosted by Checkatrade and Leeds Rhinos, the summit will bring together regional decision-makers, including the mayor and local leaders, as part of the wider programme to address skills and workforce challenges. * Community 'Rhino-vation' Days Practical, hands-on community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation.

LCB student featured in campaign launch aimed at tackling NEET crisis in the north. Posted on 12 February Leeds College of Building (LCB) student Finn Beaumont was pictured at the launch of a strategic partnership between Leeds Rhinos and Checkatrade aimed at supporting skills, opportunity and economic growth across the north. Finn, who is also an apprentice at Leeds Rhinos stadium, posed alongside Leeds Rhino Academy player and apprentice Wade White, Checkatrade Head of Trade Engagement Emma Grant and Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE. The partnership, launched during National Apprenticeship Week, is designed to help reverse the emerging crisis of NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), by making it easier for them to start trade businesses, develop skills pathways and contribute to economic growth. Partnership plans include a Skills Summit convening policymakers and leaders to address skills and workforce challenges and 'Rhino-vation' days, with community initiatives focused on improving local spaces and supporting grassroots pride and participation. The announcement follows new data revealing seven in ten Leeds residents are concerned about the number of young people out of work in the city - with a lack of job and training opportunities a key reason. Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan, MBE said: "I have been fortunate throughout my life to have been given some incredible opportunities through my involvement with Leeds Rhinos. "Firstly, as a player, running onto the field for my boyhood club, and now as CEO and a custodian for the legacy of this great club. "As a father of a young man embarking on his own apprenticeship, I know how much apprenticeships have to offer for the individual, but almost as importantly what those who gain those skills can offer to their own communities. "I look forward to seeing the partnership go from strength to strength in the years ahead." Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: "Everyone in West Yorkshire deserves the chance to boost their skills and secure good, well-paid work. Apprenticeships and skills training play a vital role in supporting businesses, strengthening our communities, and driving economic growth across the region." To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week and the parliamentary inquiry on tackling the youth NEET crisis, Checkatrade has also launched its new Apprenticeship Portal offering exclusive apprentice benefits, discounts, training resources, and career tools to help young people succeed.