Becoming a Skilled Trades Person
The effect of the pandemic is still current and unfortunately having an impact still in 2023! Not only adding to that there is also a skills shortage of vocational skills. Important skills like trades are not being pursued. When the lockdown was happening, the trades were considered key workers, because they kept our houses running! There needs to be a shift in how we view trade skills, because they are an important part of the jobs sector and how we can lessen the skills shortage. So, what is a skilled trade? How can you get into the sector and what are the highest-paying jobs?
What is a skilled trade?
A skilled trade is a specialist sector that requires a particular set of skills, knowledge and experience. There are various training routes which lead to a skilled trade. Some of which include college and apprenticeships. There are 4 main categories of skilled trades divided by sector, as stated by the Office of National Statistics. They include the following:
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Agricultural trades, such as farming, landscaping and groundskeeping,
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Metal, electrical and electronic trades
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Construction and building trades, including plumbers, electricians and bricklayers,
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Textiles, printing and other skilled trades
Experienced workers in any of these trades are sought after at the moment, as there seems to be a decline in tradespeople. Yet, it is always a good idea before entering the industry to have an idea of what kinds of trades are in demand and what they pay.
What makes it in demand?
There are many factors which can make a job in demand. An ageing workforce is one massive factor. For example, in the electricity sector. As electricians get older they want to retire or move down to part-time work. This means that there are more jobs than skilled workers to fill those jobs. So employers find it hard to fill those gaps and then become stretched.
Technology is also another factor. With how fast technology evolves, industries have to work with the new tech and implement them within the company. However, if they’re not using the latest technology or methods, it could curb future opportunities.
Staying ahead of the industry trends and technologies is a great way to remain relevant and competitive against your competition. This applies to not only companies but employers and employees. You need to invest in yourself and stay relevant with your skills, so you need to learn how to do these new methods or use the new technology. Whatever trades sector you’re in, completing CPD is always a good idea. It’ll get you ahead of others in your specific industry.
Location does affect the demand for the job. If an employer is trying to hire in a local community it can often be difficult for them. Finding qualified, skilled candidates who live within distance is hard. Qualified tradespeople can find it hard to find jobs in their local area because there is none. Especially if you’re looking to get into the industry, there have been few adverts for plumbing apprentices.
Changing attitudes about vocational training
Time and again we hear the opinion that ‘successful’ students move on to University after college or sixth form. There’s no doubt that it’s a great option for many young people, but it’s not for everyone! Not everyone wants to complete lectures, coursework and essays all the time. Some want hands-on learning. Which is where vocational skills and training come in. So that they can complete some coursework and also get hands-on experience in a practical subject. There needs to be a better level of support when it comes to vocational training.
Many people tend to not take up a trade because they’ve been told that the money isn’t there. That may have been in previous years, but now, they’re on par with newly qualified graduates. This is also achieved without a lot of the fees that you get with studying at university.
With the skills gap at the moment, tradespeople are more in demand than ever before. Meaning the pay is going to be a lot more.
There is also a lot of flexibility in learning a trade. Not only that but you can be encouraged to start your own business if you see a gap in the market. They offer reliable careers, even in uncertain times and economic crashes.
Highest paying?
This is the part you’re really wanting, as you need to know which sectors are the highest paying because they’re in demand. It’s not always clear cut, as the skills involved in trade jobs are diverse and it can be difficult to give an average salary. Some can start low and you gain more with how experienced you become. So here are the highest-paying job roles in 2022.
- Bricklayers – on average £38,775
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Plasterer – on average £37,765
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Carpenter – on average £36,582
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Handyman – on average £35,451
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Electrician – on average £35,141
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Mechanic – on average £34,739
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Plumbing – on average £33,859
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Painter & Decorator – on average £33,859
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Builder – on average £31,300
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Scaffolder – on average £31,300
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Architect – on average £30,112
What can you do?
If you’re a skilled tradesperson and you want a bit more flexibility and time, then you can become an assessor. This is a great way to share your experience and knowledge with the next workforce. As well as help students through their qualifications.
Becoming an assessor also gives you more time for yourself, as you can get better working hours, so you’re not working long hours on a site. If you want to become freelance you can even reduce your hours further, by picking and choosing who you work with. If you want to become an assessor then you can always visit our website. Or you can call us on 01205 805 155 and we would be happy to answer any of your questions!