You might be considering changing to a trades career. But what trades jobs are available and is it beneficial to do so? Find out more about your potential new career in this blog! 

Starting your trades career as an electrician

Did you know a qualified electrician earns on average £31,000 per year? This annual wage can increase to £60,000 with experience. That might be enough to convince you, but keep reading to learn more about the role of an electrician. 

Qualified domestic electricians work within people’s homes to install and repair electrical systems and appliances. This could include wiring, fuse boxes, plug sockets and appliances such as washing refrigerators and televisions.

The benefits of becoming a qualified electrician include:

• Being your own boss
• Varied tasks
• Opportunity to specialise

Starting your career as a plumber

Plumbing is another trade career in demand due to the skills gap. Typically, plumbers will earn around £35,000 per annum, increasing with experience. But what does a plumber do?

Plumbers work within a domestic environment to install and repair features related to water systems. For example, they typically work on boilers, waste systems, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. 

The benefits of becoming a qualified plumber include:

• Opportunity to start your own business 
• Worthwhile salary 
• Accessible training courses

Starting your trades career as a welder

Welding is one of the less common trade careers, but they are still in demand. Welders can earn between £20,000 and £34,000 per year in the UK, making them an incredibly viable career choice.

Welders are trained to cut, join and shape metal. They are found within aerospace, construction and civil engineering industries. Most welders will find a specific area to specialise in, choosing between becoming a Pipe welder, MIG welder, TIG welder, arc welder, or boilermaker.

The benefits of becoming a qualified welder include:

• Hands-on work
• Good prospects
• Good work-life balance

Starting your career as a renewable energy engineer

One of the fastest-growing trade industries in the UK is renewable energy engineering. With the implementation of ‘green’ energy systems, more qualified professionals are required to help with the demand. The average salary of a renewable energy engineer in the UK is £38,000 per year.

Renewable energy engineers will work on renewable energy sites such as wind and solar panel farms. This could involve carrying out inspections, and installing and repairing aspects of the sites. The job responsibilities of this job will increase over time with further experience and training.

The benefits of becoming a qualified renewable energy engineer include:

• Rewarding work
• Opportunity to work with other qualified professionals
• Opportunity to complete further education

To move further up within this field, you could even work towards completing a degree in engineering, mathematics or renewable energy. This will open up even more opportunities for your career. 

Starting your trades career as a gas engineer

The final trades career available through The Skills Centre is a gas engineer. The average annual salary for a gas engineer in the UK is £36,000. 

Gas engineers primarily work on gas heating systems, installing and repairing boilers in domestic and commercial settings. However, this isn’t all that gas engineers do. Gas engineers are qualified to work with any gas-related problems, so the work can be extremely versatile. You will spend most of your time installing, servicing, and repairing people’s boilers. You will also respond to emergency callouts such as gas leaks. 

The benefits of becoming a fully qualified gas engineer include:

• Rewarding work – helping people in their homes
• Flexible working hours
• Transferable skills

For every trade career, you must complete a course to receive an NVQ to become fully qualified. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work as an electrician in the UK. You could also complete an apprenticeship.
Here at The Skills Centre, we can help you find the perfect course for you. Changing your career to trades can be an overwhelming decision, but we’re here to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your options and kickstart your new trade career!