If you’re already considering an apprenticeship for the next stage in your career, why not look at what trade apprenticeships have to offer? Whether you’re looking at potentially becoming an electrician, a gas engineer, a plumber, a joiner or another trade, there are lots of things to consider before you decide.
We look at some of the most common reasons that people might consider a trade apprenticeship and a future career in a trade profession.
1. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand
There is huge demand for skilled tradespeople, with an estimated 937,000 new workers in construction and trade needed to fill roles in the UK by 2032. This is in a wide range of different settings, from home maintenance and improvements to construction projects, commercial contracts and more. With an estimated third of people working in the trades likely to retire in the next decade, bringing through a new generation and equipping them with all the skills needed to take the industry forward is essential.
2. Technology is transforming trades – a futureproof career
With fast-moving technology alongside a need for more sustainable and cost-effective ways to build and heat buildings, harness renewable energy and make better use of the resources we have, things are looking very rosy a future in the trades. Specialised skills and training in these areas mean that demand will only increase for the tradespeople of tomorrow.
At a time when people in many different careers are worried about artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advances taking their jobs away, those learning and working in the trades don’t need to worry about robots taking over their roles anytime soon. The tech is there to assist and help them to do their job better, but only a skilled tradesperson can actually do the hands-on work that’s required in a huge variety of different locations and settings.
3. No student debt with a trade apprenticeship qualification
One of the great things abut gaining an apprenticeship qualification is that the apprentice doesn’t need to cover any of the costs of this training and learning themselves, unlike those who study at university. Not only do apprentices that successfully complete their programme gain their qualification without having to take out loans to cover tuition costs, they also already have the duration of their apprenticeship as relevant and useful work experience as they move forward with their career.
4. Earn while you learn in a trade apprenticeship
Alongside gaining a relevant trade qualification that the apprentice doesn’t need to pay towards themself, those on a trade apprenticeship also earn for the time spent working and learning from the very start of the programme.
The amount that an apprentice earns will depend on the employer and what they offer for the specific role, but there is a minimum hourly rate set out by the UK government. In the first year of an apprenticeship programme, this minimum is currently £5.28 p/h (from April 2023). After 12 months of the apprenticeship, the minimum hourly rate then becomes whatever the National Minimum Wage is for their age. This ranges from £5.28 for those under 18 years of age, to £10.42 for apprentices over the age of 23 (from April 2023). Many employers choose to pay more than the minimum rates to their apprentices.
5. Good salary potential with a future in the trades
With a trade apprenticeship being a great foundation for a future career in a trade, those learning and training can know that there is a good earning potential once they complete their apprenticeship and get some more years of experience working under their belt.
According to job website Reed, some of the average trade salary ranges include:
Plumber – £34,000 – £37,000
Joiner – £35,000 – £41,000
Electrician – £38,000 – £45,000
With opportunities not only for future employment, but also self-employment and running their own business one day in the future, there can be significant earning potential and route for progression for those starting their career with a trade apprenticeship.
6. A great alternative to an office job
For those who want a job where they’re out and about and not sitting behind a desk all day, every day, a trade career could be a great fit. With a job role that includes visiting different sites and locations regularly, and hands-on work alongside developing soft skills, a trade career that starts from an apprenticeship can be a brilliant option for those who want something different to an office-based job.
7. Job satisfaction
According to research, those working in the trades are more likely to enjoy their jobs than average workers across other professions. Some of the top things that tradespeople like about their job include:
- Interacting with customers
- Learning something new
- Working outdoors
- Job variety
- Seeing visible accomplishments each day
These are all things that those working in the trades can experience regularly, which helps to keep things interesting, challenging and is a perfect fit for those who like to problem-solve, find creative ways to do things and make a practical difference every day.
Those who choose a trade apprenticeship as the way to begin their career get all the benefits of structured training alongside learning from those who have been working in the industry for many years. Earning a wage alongside both the on-the-job and off-the-job training gives trade apprentices a real taste and solid foundation for a potential life-long career.
If you’re considering a trade apprenticeship, we have employers looking for apprentices now. Our Get In service enables potential apprentices to upload their CV and makes it easy for our partner employers to find a great match for their role(s).
If you’d like any more information on trade apprenticeships, you can get in touch with our team.
