Skilled trades are responsible for the majority of things that we rely on in our lives and at work. Whether you are newly entering the workforce or you’re looking for a change of career, the skilled trades sector is teeming with opportunities.
Even if you have never thought of working as a tradesperson, it’s very likely that you can find something in this sector that excites you. With such a broad range of options, the opportunities are endless. From electrical work to carpentry to construction, there’s a wide variety of fields to explore.
Even if you have zero experience in the field you’re interested in, there is an enjoyable journey towards a great-paying trades career in the future. Below, the trades experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk explain all the benefits of entering a career in the skilled trades. Here’s why you should consider a job in the skilled trades…
What Are The Skilled Trades?
Skilled trades, often referred to as blue-collar jobs, are occupations that demand a blend of manual skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills. These professions are crucial to the infrastructure, manufacturing, and service sectors of our economy. They involve working with tools, machinery, and materials to construct, repair, or maintain a wide range of products and systems.
Construction trades, for instance, have a variety of specialisations. Bricklayers construct walls and structures using bricks, blocks, or stones. Carpenters frame buildings, install cabinets and build furniture. Electricians install and repair electrical wiring and systems. Plumbers install and repair water and drainage systems. Roofers install and repair roofs, while painters and decorators apply finishes to walls and surfaces. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish.
Manufacturing trades involve working with machinery to produce goods. Machinists operate machine tools to shape and cut metal and other materials. Welders join metals together using heat and pressure. Millwrights install, repair, and maintain industrial machinery. Tool and die makers create the tools and dies used in manufacturing processes. Automotive technicians repair and maintain vehicles.
Many of these trades require formal training, such as apprenticeships or vocational school, to acquire the necessary skills. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing individuals to learn from experienced tradespeople while earning a wage. Vocational schools offer specialised training programs in specific trades.
Why Are Skilled Trades a Great Career Path?
The skilled trades are often overlooked in favour of university degrees and white-collar careers. However, there are many compelling reasons to consider a career in the skilled trades. Here’s why:
Financial Rewards and Job Security
The UK is facing a significant skills shortage in trades, leading to a higher demand for skilled workers and competitive salaries. As a skilled tradesperson, you can expect to earn a good living, often comparable to or even exceeding many of those in white-collar professions.
The consistent demand for skilled tradespeople ensures job security. With the right qualifications and experience, you can build a stable and rewarding career. Also, the infrastructure and construction sectors, which heavily rely on skilled tradespeople, are often less affected by economic downturns, providing a more secure employment outlook.
Flexible Career Paths and Work-Life Balance
The skilled trades offer a wide variety of career paths, from plumbing to carpentry to electrical work to construction – and more! You can specialise in a specific area or become a generalist with a broad skill set. For example, a qualified electrician may choose to specialise in industrial installations, domestic wiring, or renewable energy systems.
With the right qualifications and experience, you can start your own business in the skilled trades. This can lead to an even higher earning potential as well as more flexibility and independence. Self-employed tradespeople can set their own hours, choose their clients, and build a business that aligns with their personal goals.
Many skilled tradespeople have the flexibility to work for themselves or choose their own hours. This can lead to a better work-life balance, allowing you to spend a lot more time with your family and friends and giving you more time to pursue your other interests and hobbies. Additionally, many trade jobs offer regular hours and weekends off, providing a more predictable and balanced lifestyle compared to some corporate roles.
Practical Training and Quick Entry Into The Workforce
Trade apprenticeships offer hands-on training and the opportunity to earn while you learn. This allows you to enter into the workforce sooner and start building your career without incurring significant student debts. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, providing a well-rounded education and practical skills.
The practical nature of training in the trades allows you to quickly acquire valuable skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. Unlike academic degrees, which often focus on theoretical knowledge, trade training emphasises hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
The skilled trades are constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. This provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Many trade associations offer training courses and certifications to help skilled workers stay up to date with the latest industry trends.
Tangible Results and Job Satisfaction
Skilled tradespeople create tangible results that they can really be proud of. The satisfaction of building something with your own bare hands can be very rewarding. Whether it’s constructing a new home, repairing a faulty appliance, or installing a complex electrical wiring system, tradespeople can see the direct impact of their work.
Many trades require problem-solving skills and creativity to find innovative solutions to challenges. For example, a plumber may need to devise a creative way to reroute a pipe in a tight space, or an electrician may need to troubleshoot a complex electrical fault.
Skilled tradespeople play a vital role in building and maintaining our infrastructure. By choosing a career in the trades, you can contribute to the well-being of your community. From constructing new housing developments to repairing essential services, tradespeople play a crucial role in society.
Final Thoughts
The skilled trades sector is a thriving industry with a vast array of opportunities. Whether you’re a recent school leaver or looking for a career change, the skilled trades offer a rewarding and fulfilling path.
From electrical work to carpentry to construction, the possibilities are endless. You can specialise in a specific area or become a generalist with a broad skill set. Many trades offer apprenticeships, allowing you to learn while you earn and gain hands-on experience.
Skilled tradespeople play a vital role in society, building and maintaining our infrastructure. They create tangible results, solve problems, and contribute to the well-being of their communities. With high demand and competitive salaries, a career in the skilled trades can provide job security and a good standard of living.
So, if you’re looking for a career that offers both financial reward and personal satisfaction, consider the skilled trades.
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