Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes a change of direction is just what you need to breathe new life into your career. If you’re considering a career change, learning a trade can be a fantastic choice, offering you the chance to gain new skills, work in different environments, and enjoy great job satisfaction. In the UK, there is a high demand for skilled tradespeople, making it an excellent time to start a new chapter. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best trades to learn, helping you make the right choice for your future.
Joinery: Creating Lasting Impressions
Joiners are skilled craftsmen responsible for constructing the wooden elements of a building or project. This can range from doors and windows to stairs and fitted furniture. With a strong focus on detail and precision, joinery is an art form that requires both creativity and technical expertise. But how much do joiners earn? Salaries can vary, but rest assured that joinery is a trade with solid earning potential.
To become a joiner, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a relevant college course. Some joiners may also start out as carpenters and gradually transition into joinery. Once qualified, there are opportunities for self-employment, working for a joinery firm, or even moving into specialist areas such as restoration or boat building.
Plumbing: Keeping Things Flowing
Plumbers are essential to our modern way of living, ensuring that water, gas, and heating systems are operating safely and efficiently. As a plumber, you’ll be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing these systems, as well as addressing emergency situations like leaks or blockages.
To become a plumber, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in plumbing, followed by industry-specific qualifications such as the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating. With a wealth of opportunities available, plumbers can work in domestic, commercial, or industrial settings, or even specialise in areas such as renewable energy or underfloor heating systems.
Electrician: Powering Our Lives
Electricians play a vital role in keeping our homes, businesses, and public spaces powered and safe. They install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, ensuring they comply with safety regulations.
To become an electrician, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in electrical installation, followed by the necessary qualifications, such as the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services. Opportunities for electricians are varied, from working in residential and commercial settings to focusing on renewable energy or even becoming an electrical engineer.
Plastering: Crafting the Perfect Finish
Plasterers are responsible for creating smooth, even surfaces on walls and ceilings, providing the perfect base for decorating. Plastering requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand to ensure a flawless finish.
To become a plasterer, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in plastering. Once qualified, you can work for a plastering company or become self-employed, offering your services to both residential and commercial clients.
Bricklaying: Building a Strong Foundation
Bricklayers are indispensable in the construction industry, responsible for building and repairing walls, chimneys, and other structures using bricks, blocks, or stone. Bricklaying is a physically demanding trade that requires excellent hand-eye coordination, precision, and an understanding of different materials and techniques.
To become a bricklayer, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in bricklaying. Once qualified, you can work for a construction company, become self-employed, or even specialise in areas such as heritage restoration or stonemasonry.
Roofing: Keeping a Lid on It
Roofers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Roofing is a varied trade that can involve working with a range of materials such as tiles, slates, or metal sheets. It requires physical fitness, attention to detail, and an understanding of weatherproofing techniques.
To become a roofer, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in roofing. Once qualified, you can work for a roofing company, become self-employed, or even specialise in specific areas such as green roofs or solar panel installation.
Painting and Decorating: Bringing Colour to Life
Painters and decorators are responsible for transforming the interiors and exteriors of buildings, applying paint, wallpaper, and other finishes to create a desired look. This trade requires a strong sense of aesthetics, attention to detail, and knowledge of various materials and techniques.
To become a painter and decorator, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in painting and decorating. Once qualified, you can work for a painting and decorating company, become self-employed, or even specialise in areas such as restoration or bespoke mural work.
Tiling: Crafting Beautiful Spaces
Tilers are responsible for installing and repairing tiles on walls and floors in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This trade requires excellent hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and knowledge of various materials and techniques, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles.
To become a tiler, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in wall and floor tiling. Once qualified, you can work for a tiling company, become self-employed, or even specialise in areas such as mosaic work or bespoke design installations.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Maintaining Comfort and Efficiency
HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This trade requires knowledge of various systems, components, and controls, as well as an understanding of energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a college course in HVAC. Once qualified, you can work for an HVAC company, become self-employed, or even specialise in areas such as refrigeration or building automation systems.
In conclusion, there are numerous trades to choose from when considering a career change, each with its own set of skills, challenges, and rewards. Whatever your interests and aptitudes, there is likely a trade that can provide you with a fulfilling and lucrative career. By researching and understanding the different trades available, you can make an informed decision and embark on a new and exciting career path.
