Is pursuing a trade career the right path for you? High-demand trade careers are skilled jobs with a growing demand for workers and a requirement for specialised training or experience. This blog will examine the most in-demand trade occupations, explain why they are so important, and offer advice on how to get started. Let’s look at some of the factors that contribute to the need for trade jobs.
Why Trade Careers Are in High Demand In The UK
The demand for experienced tradespeople is rising due to a number of causes. Workers capable of doing specialised tasks that maintain infrastructure and vital services are desperately needed as industries change and modernise. The need for trade jobs is rising significantly in the UK as a result of a number of social, financial, and infrastructure-related issues. These occupations are in great demand for the following reasons:
Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery
Many industries had difficulties due to the COVID-19 epidemic, but as the economy recovers, trade jobs, including building, the drainage systems, and electrical repair, have seen a resurgence. Skilled craftsmen are needed for the massive housing and infrastructure projects that the public and private sectors are funding.
Housing shortage
In the UK, there is a persistent lack of reasonably priced homes. As a result, there is now a greater need for craftspeople in carpentry, construction, and allied industries to fulfil home development objectives.
Technological progress
The use of technology in crafts, such as sophisticated machinery and smart home systems, has opened up new specialisations and opportunities, raising the demand for qualified workers.
What are The Benefits of Trade Careers
People who like hands-on work and employment security may find trade occupations appealing due to their many advantages.
Opportunities for advancement
Opportunities for promotion are present in many trade careers. Tradespeople might launch their own companies or advance into supervisory positions with experience.
Skill development
Trade occupations place a strong emphasis on developing skills, allowing employees to acquire real-world, practical skills that they may use right away in the workplace. Those who become proficient in their chosen trade frequently have a variety of job options because these skills are highly sought after.
Short training time
Trade occupations usually take less time to enter the workforce than standard college degrees. A lot of training programs are shorter than two years, and several trades, like welding and HVACR, even have apprenticeship programs that allow students to make money while they learn.
Job stability
There is a constant need for experienced traders in many sectors. Water supply, electrical work, and HVACR maintenance are always in demand, making them less sensitive to economic downturns. Trade occupations frequently offer long-term employment stability because the skills learned in these industries are difficult to replicate through technology or outsourcing.
10 High-Demand Trade Careers In the UK
The foundation of the UK economy, trade vocations provide great employment opportunities, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement. Consider the following 10 in-demand trade careers:
Electrician:
The demand for qualified electricians is driven by smart technologies, renewable energy sources, and our growing dependency on electricity. The electrical systems in offices, homes, and industries are installed, maintained, and repaired by electricians. Average annual salary £34,000-£45,000
Plumber:
Plumbers are required to set up and maintain water systems. The steady need for plumbing services ensures long-term employment security. The average pay is between £30,000 and £45,000. The steady need for plumbing services ensures long-term employment security.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician:
Installing and maintaining systems that regulate temperature and air quality is the responsibility of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) professionals. Average salary £30,000-£50,000 a year.
Welder:
Welders are essential to manufacturing and construction because they can combine metal components in a variety of ways. Average salary £25,000-£35,000 a year.
Auto Mechanics:
Auto technicians detect problems, fix and maintain cars, and carry out necessary maintenance. The average salary is £26,000-£37,000 per year.
Construction Managers:
Building projects are supervised by construction managers to ensure they are finished on schedule and within budget. The average salary is £40,000-£65,000 per year. Initiative like Women into Construction helps meet labour shortages and create opportunities for women interested in trade careers.
Gas Engineer:
Gas appliance installation and maintenance, including heating systems and boilers. Laws about safety and energy efficiency. The average salary is £35,000-£50,000 per year.
Decorator:
A decorator’s job is to prepare surfaces and apply paint, wallpaper or specialised finishes to enhance the appearance of a structure. The average salary is £22,000-£30,000 per year.
Bricklayer:
Utilising bricks and mortar to build and fix foundations, walls, and other constructions. High levels of building activity in both the business and residential sectors. The average salary is £25,000-£40,000 per year.
Roofer:
Roofs for homes, businesses, and industries are installed and repaired. The necessity for routine upkeep and the rise of energy-efficient roofing materials. The average salary is £25,000-£35,000 per year.
There’s extra demand for heat-pump installers, EV-charger fitters, and insulation specialists created by the UK’s net-zero retrofit targets. There’s also a self-employment upside, about 40% of UK tradespeople are sole-traders/Ltd companies, typically earning 20-40% more gross.
How to Succeed in a Trade Career
A career in trades could be a perfect fit for you if you enjoy problem-solving and manual labour. Gaining the appropriate knowledge and expertise is frequently necessary for a trade career, but you can succeed in a trade with a bit of planning and study.
Research training program
Investigate training options in your chosen field after deciding on a professional path. Online programs are getting increasingly popular, but you can also check out local community colleges and vocational institutions that provide training for your new field. Resources are available from the ability up to help you comprehend the type of training required for various skilled trade occupations.
Consider apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to study your trade while earning money by providing essential job-related instruction. UK trade apprenticeships are free to the learner and pay about £18,000-£21,000 first year.
Pursue certification
State licensure and certificates are necessary for many trades. Find out what your state requires for obtaining a professional license, research the certifications needed for your area, and think about getting higher credentials to increase your chances of finding employment.
Network with industry professionals
Developing a network of contacts in your field might help you locate mentors and employment prospects. Attend workshops, trade shows, and industry gatherings to grow your network. There may also be networking opportunities available through your local chamber of commerce.
Conclusion
A trade job is a great option for people looking for rewarding and future-proof employment in the UK, which is still investing in modern infrastructure and sustainable energy. Trade careers that are in high demand in the UK offer a path to steady and lucrative job prospects. These jobs offer chances to develop unique abilities that are necessary in industries including producing goods, power and transportation.
Additionally, remember that the secret to long-term success in any business will be constant learning and adapting to trends.
