Instead of limiting your options to an office job, you could try to learn a trade skill. Don’t shudder at the thought. Forget the stereotypes, there are more benefits to learning a trade than you may think.
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So, what are the advantages of trade work? Read on to find out 8 reasons why working in the trades is a great option for you.
1. You Can Fill a Need
If you decide to learn a trade skill, you will be filling a growing need. Not only now, but in the many years to come.
Some popular trades to consider include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Construction Equipment Operators
- Window Cleaners
- Welders
- Carpenters
- Gardeners
- Painters
- Plasterer
Demand for skilled workers has never been higher. There are currently an average of 38,000 construction jobs in the industry, which is an amazing opportunity to build a rewarding career.
2. Robots Won’t Take Over
Technology in the construction world is advancing at an amazing speed, and with the push for sustainability there are exciting times ahead. Heat pumps, solar, and energy efficient new builds are becoming the norm, and require specialised skills.
Electricians, for example, are upping their game to take on work that didn’t exist a decade ago. The more effort you’re willing to put into learning new processes and techniques, the more advantage you’ll have over the competition.
Insurance at hard to beat rates
Starting at £59* per yearThere have also been steps to reduce the dangers on work sites, especially in areas that have a long-term impact on the body. Machines and robots are becoming more advanced to take care of heavy lifting, but it’s tech on a more personal level that is set to introduce the biggest changes.
Exoskeletons may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but they are being used as wearables to reduce injuries to the body.
Construction tech has often been about making the job safer or easier, and this promises to continue. People will always be needed to build, fix, and finish projects.
Job security isn’t guaranteed, but you’re less likely to be replaced by a robot if you work on site. When you contrast this with an office job, where humans are being outsourced to computer software or AI, construction looks like a good option.
3.Trade Work in Demand
This shortage can be narrowed down to a number of areas, but the main reason demand is so high is because the young are opting for office based jobs. This has had a knock-on effect and led to an increase of tradespeople retiring and a decrease in new talent being trained.
However, things are changing.
Apprenticeships are becoming more popular and you can expect to see earnings around £25,000 just to train. Once qualified, you can choose to work for a company with a fixed salary, or set-up your own business and operate as a sole trader.
Being your own boss takes discipline and a well-thought-out strategy, but the money you can make is unlimited.
Another benefit to learning a trade, is the skills you acquire can be used anywhere and will stay with you for life. Nothing is stopping you, if you want to contract overseas, or move abroad permanently.
4. You Can Save Your Pennies
One of the biggest benefits of working in the trades is the amount of money you’ll save from not going to uni. These days graduates are facing a lifetime debt. In fact, the rising number is now at £50,000.
If you choose trade work you won’t be starting your adult life with a huge debt on your shoulders. And if you go straight into trade work after school you will most likely get the training for free. Even if you decide on learning a trade later on in life, the fees pale in comparison.
If it’s an apprenticeship you’ll actually get paid for learning, too. It can’t get any better than that!
5.The Earnings May Surprise You
Many who choose to go to university wave off the hefty price tag because they think their lifetimes’ earnings will make it worth the while.
Of course, that’s true in some cases. But these wealthy individuals make up a tiny percent of the workforce in the UK.
But research has taken place. And it’s clear, going to university is not going to make you earn more.
Average to high salaries across different trades currently stand at:
- Electrician £38,000 – £45,000 per year
- Plumber £34,000 – £37,000 per year
- Builder £34,000 – £35,000 per year
- Construction Engineer £40,000 – £45,000 per year
- Project Manager £63,000 – £67,000 per year
With a shortage of tradespeople in the UK and demand for certain areas so high, expect to be well compensated.
6. You Can Save Your Precious Time
It’s not only pennies you’ll be saving. By skipping uni you’ll save a lot of time. After 2-3 years in college or sixth form, students will then have to complete another 3-4 years at university. Some degrees take up to 5 years or more to complete.
By the time you’re finished, you’ll be old and grey!
Deciding to work in the trades and doing a college course takes 2 years on average. By the time you’re 20, you’ll be out there making money.
7. You Won’t have to Leave Your Mum (Just Yet!)
By the tender age of 19, you may not be ready to pack your bags and leave home. The transition to uni can be a traumatic one for some youths. Some may even drop out early on due to homesickness – but that is an expensive mistake to make!
Deciding to learn a trade skill and stick close to home may be the better choice. But learning a skilled trade doesn’t mean you’ve picked the cushy option. You’ll have to start working and earning your keep earlier than a uni graduate.
8. Happy Workers
Half of UK employees wanted to quit their job in 2022, so choosing the right career path is important. And for many people, there is no better work than using your hands to create something. Fixing something, or inventing something can be a lot more fulfilling than filling in Excel spreadsheets all day.
Most of the people in these white-collar jobs take up a hobby. For instance, tinkering with cars or doing some kind of woodwork. They do this because working with their hands brings them the satisfaction their job cannot.
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Although several careers counsellors may encourage you to go to university, there are many good trades to learn. And there are a huge amount of benefits in learning a trade. In fact, without tradesmen and women, Britain wouldn’t function!
You may be wondering; what skilled trade should I learn? Check out our blog on some top advice which trades might suit you best.
Tradesman Saver provides insurance for tradesmen covering a wide variety of professions. For further information, please see check out our Tradesman Insurance.
