Thinking of branching out and starting a new career? A trade career is ideal for anyone looking forward to trying something new or securing a job with a steady income. To learn a trade involves acquiring specialised knowledge and practical skills that open the doors to new and successful careers after training. 

What are the advantages of becoming a tradesperson? Read on to find out why you should learn a trade. 

What is a Trade Job? 

A trade job refers to any job that uses advanced skills and training acquired through something other than a bachelor’s degree. The training and skills are gained through formal education in the form of attending a trade school or through on-the-job experience where you learn from various experts in the areas you are interested in. The skills of trade workers are highly specialised and vary depending on what the worker has been trained to perform, with some requiring significant physical labour. In the UK, there are different types of trade jobs that require considerable training and experience before you can work. They include:

• Plumber
• Electrician 
• Renewable Energy Specialist 
• Welder 

Why take the time to learn a new skill? 

Whether you choose to practice while on the job or complete a vocational school training program, there are several reasons why pursuing a trade is a brilliant idea. Here are six ways you can benefit by pursuing a trade:

You’ll gain the experience immediately

Some people learn better on the job, whereas others learn better in a classroom. If you want to get out in the real world and gain experience instead of an education, then a course in a trade is the right choice for you. 

Work on real-life projects and gain a nationally recognised qualification on completion. In other words, the long wait to gain the right skills and expertise is shortened by getting you to work on real projects. 

Higher Demand

Trade experts can expect to find new opportunities as baby boomers are now retiring. All these new openings must be filled! That means numerous opportunities await the millennials and Gen Z. There are numerous opportunities in other areas such as construction, plumbing, carpentry, and welding that are yet to be filled. 

The pay is competitive 

Skilled tradespeople can expect to take home decent pay, and the more advanced training you receive, the higher the pay. While the pay can vary depending on where you are located, industry, company size, and the skills you have, the salaries of trade experts are often consistently higher or equal to the national average. You can also expect higher pay if you qualify for promotions. 

Tips For Choosing a Trade 

If you have decided it is time to learn a new trade, it is important to ensure you pick one that is right for you. Use these tips to choose the right trade:

• Determine your talents: A huge part of the trades jobs require expertise in specific areas. While you can gain the needed experience, it is much easier for you to focus on a career in which you already have an advantage.

• Consider your interests: A trade career allows you to do what you love so consider choosing what fascinates you the most. You can list all the possible trade jobs you are interested in and choose the most suitable one from the list.

• Research job growth: Before you decide which trade skill you want to learn, make sure to look at the job outlook for that specific trade. Government sources and career platforms such as Indeed are good places to find reliable information about the job outlook for that trade.

• Have a chat with tradespeople: If you know reliable tradespeople, you can talk to, reach out to them, and schedule an appointment to ask them some specific questions about the trade jobs that fascinate you. 

Ready to start your career in trades? 

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 a tradesperson within 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!