Here at Access Training, we help you to learn the skills and theory needed to potentially start your own business as a professional tradesperson.

However, with so many different skills to learn, its easy for newly-qualified tradespeople to overlook one of the most important parts of their new career: customer service.

Luckily, this blog post is dedicated to that very topic. If you're hoping to start a trade business and be your own boss, read on and take note - this one's for you!

Keeping customers happy

Whether you've trained as an electrician, a gas fitter or a plumber, a big part of running any successful business is the ability to keep your customers happy and meet their expectations.

Providing top-quality customer service and maintaining a high standard of work is key to retaining customers and generating repeat business. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Understanding your customer

Any good customer service training advisor will tell you that knowing your target demographic is a wise move for any business owner, particularly those in a trade where competition from other specialists is high.

Understanding the individual needs of the customer is the easiest and simplest way to provide them with the service they want and expect. Researching your target demographic and the industry you're in can help you to identify this.

Do your homework on the industry you're entering, and identify best practices to ensure your own services tick all of the boxes. Take time to find out what your customer wants from a business like yours and how they expect you to meet their needs.

Interacting with customers

While customer service is often overlooked in favour of the job-specific fundamentals and skills, it can be just as important in terms of the success of your business. After all, even top-notch workmanship can be sullied by rudeness and a bad attitude.

Naturally, Joe Public will warm to you more if you treat him well, being both friendly and courteous throughout the job. It can also make the overall experience a lot more enjoyable and pain-free for all parties involved.

Meanwhile, don't be afraid to ask questions when speaking with the customer. Hearing their needs and wants straight from the horse's mouth can go a long way in helping you tailor your service to their needs, while the courtesy can also leave you and your business smelling of roses.

Meeting customer expectations

Above all else, the quality of your work should speak for itself. The customer is paying for a service, and that service should be of the highest possible standard.

Don't settle for mere adequacy - always aim to go above and beyond, and try to leave every customer feeling valued, satisfied and content.

Dealing with issues

There will inevitably be times where things don't quite go to plan, and how you deal with these issues can help you salvage your customer relationship and keep your clients from looking elsewhere.

If you encounter an issue during a job, take time to reinforce the fact that you will strive to rectify any problems as quickly and effectively as possible. Doing so in a friendly and open manner can endear you to the customer and help to improve customer retention.

Provided you leave the customer with an end result that fixes the issue and does so with minimal impact to them, any issues you've encountered or hiccups along the way can usually be forgiven, while your efforts to fix said issue can actually strengthen the relationship further.

Interested in learning a trade and becoming your own boss? Take a look at our range of trade training courses!

Image source: Pixabay

Proving that trade knowledge is universally in demand across the globe, Fox Business is reporting that a nationwide shortage of electricians in the United States is setting the stage for huge salaries for electricians.

According to the report, a predicted labour shortage in the electrician industry is set to create a huge amount of unfilled jobs across the country. While this could spell bad news for American consumers, it’s great news for electricians across the pond – particularly when it comes to their wages.

Supply and Demand

As a result of the shortage, starting salaries for Stateside electricians are said to be around $40k (approximately £31.5k), while electrician business owners have the potential to earn a six-figure salary.

The shortage highlights once again just how lucrative an electrician career can be and how beneficial it can be to have a trade under your belt. Best of all, this is a trend that can also be found closer to home in the UK, as well as the US.

Electrician Careers UK

According to research conducted by The Federation of Master Builders, experienced tradesmen in the UK typically earn thousands more than university graduates, with the average salary of electricians at £47,265/annum.

Chief Executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, had this to say:

“A career in construction trumps many university graduate roles. The average university graduate in England earns £32,000 a year whereas our latest research shows that your average bricky or roofer is earning £42,000 a year across the UK. In London, a bricklayer is commanding wages of up to £90,000 a year.”

By contrast, the average salary of teachers and accountants is around £38k, while midwives and vets are both around £36k. What’s more, these jobs also require years of study, which bring with them student loans and debt before you qualify.

Electrician Careers UK

With a well-publicised shortage of tradesmen in the UK as well as the US, there’s never been a better time to get involved in the electrician trade.

Best of all, you don’t have to look far and wide to find an in-road to your electric dreams. You can get it all done right here at Access Training UK!

Ranging from beginner courses for those with no experience to professional certification for seasoned veterans, we offer a wide variety of electrician courses for all skills levels.

New Career Courses

Our beginner courses are ideal for those with limited or no experience of the electrical trade prior to starting the electrician course. These include:

Essential Electrical Course

Professional Electrician Course

Premier Electrical Course

Trade Professional Courses

Aimed at experienced candidates with a professional background in electrical maintenance, these courses are the perfect certification to add to your repertoire:

Part P Domestic Electrical Installer

18^th Edition

Part P & 18^th Edition

PAT Testing

Initial Verification

Periodic Inspection & Testing

Fundamental Inspection Testing

Combined Inspection & Testing

Electrical Design Course

For more information on electrician courses from Access Training UK, give us a call today on 0800 345 7492 or drop us a message online using the button below.

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With the right skills, a strong desire and a little imagination, it can be surprising just what can be achieved when people put their minds (and hands) to work.

This is particularly applicable when it comes to manual labour jobs, like carpentry and joinery. Take the story of Billy Walden from Bentham, Lancaster, for proof of just that.

A Cut Above

The Daily Mail recently ran a story about a teenage carpenter who incredibly transformed a shabby canal boat on its last sea legs into a holiday home for his mum and 11-year-old sister.

At 18 years old, Billy already had four years of carpentry training under his tool belt, beginning his education at the tender age of 14. He achieved his Level 1 AIM in just one year and even began his Level 2 in carpentry and joinery at just 15.

Despite his age, Billy was no stranger to renovation projects, having already completed a refurb of a VW camper. However, the camper van project left Billy with a desire for something bigger and better. The canal boat project proved to be just that.

Investing in Carpentry Skills

Bought by his mum, Jayne, for just £5k, the boat was a veritable steal due to the fact it didn’t pass all the survey tests. However, that also meant that it was also in need of considerable TLC – a challenge that Billy was more than up for.

Renovation costs accrued to around £2800 and, within just eight weeks, the young carpenter had transformed an uninhabitable budget barge into a unique floating holiday home.

Carpentry Courses and Joinery Courses

Billy’s story once again proves that not only can carpentry and joinery courses can be extremely useful, they can also be extremely rewarding from a personal standpoint too.

At Access Training UK, we offer a number of carpentry courses to suit all levels of education, allowing you to achieve carpentry goals, even if you don’t have any experience going in.

We currently offer the following carpentry courses:

DIY Carpentry Course

A crash course in household DIY carpentry, this course provides you with the basic understanding of carpentry required to complete a variety of carpentry tasks around the home.

Essential Carpentry Course

A basic introduction to carpentry via a foundation-level course. Ideal for those that want to gain basic carpentry knowledge and progress on to more advanced industry-level trade courses.

Professional Carpentry Course

A professional qualification, this course allows you to potentially pursue a career in carpentry and joinery. Suitable for al skill levels with no prior experience or prior knowledge necessary.

NVQ Level 2 Certification

An accredited certification course that allows experienced carpenters to gain the relevant qualifications to carry out on-site carpentry work.

For more information on our carpentry training and joinery courses, call today on 0800 345 7492 or drop us message online using the button below.

Get in Touch

A common question asked is what is the difference between a joiner and carpenter? When you need something built from wood and you are thinking about who is the right person for the job, do you hire a joiner, or do you hire a carpenter? What makes them different? Or do they perform the same job but are just called different names? Well, it's time to throw all these questions away and take a look at some facts! 

The difference between a joiner and carpenter 

In a nutshell, a joiner is a professional that produces the timber products that a carpenter fixes on-site. A joiner, for example, may be hired to make the frame, windows and doors for a new building. Here, a joiner would traditionally 'join' wood in a workshop, whereas carpenters would erect the building elements on-site. A carpenter would install the products made by joiners and produce features like the joisted floors, roof trusses and the stud-work for partitioning the building. The common assumption that the difference between a joiner and carpenter is whether or they use nails is completely untrue! 

In this sense, joinery and carpentry can be understood as separate specialisms within the same industry or craft. In reality, there is a crossover between the two disciplines, with many of the fundamentals of the same wood-working techniques and skills being taught. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it is always worth enquiring about an individual's expertise, especially when it comes to specialised tasks. A carpenter may skillfully hang and balance a door, but a joiner may produce far better replicas. Similarly, a joiner may create a stunning staircase but a carpenter may be better equipped at fitting it. 

When to choose between a joiner or carpenter 

When it comes to choosing between a joiner or carpenter for a job, we recommend picking crafts-people according to their experience in relation to the project that you're trying to complete. An extension to a historic building, for example, would require specific experience and knowledge in building conservation. If both a carpenter and joiner is required, it's advantageous to employ a business or individual that offers both services, as it will become much easier to manage your project when you do not have to deal with several crafts-people, totally avoiding divided responsibility if and when issues arise! 

So, there you have it! Your joiner vs carpenter questions answered. We hope things are a little bit clearer to you now when it comes to the two professions. If you have a project that requires some of the essential work-working techniques mentioned above and you'd prefer to employing additional personnel, why not learn the basics yourself? Here at Access Training Academies, we offer a fantastic range of Carpentry Courses that will teach you the vital skills and knowledge that you need! Simply click below to learn more. 

Browse Our Carpentry Courses > 

For more information on the Carpentry Courses on offer, our facilities, tutors, finance or training centres, be sure to contact our customer service team today! We'd be more than happy to help.

If you weren't already aware, a revised version of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations became mandatory on 1st January 2019. These changes including, new and revised regulations, additional chapters and reorganised sections, have been made to improve the safety of installers and to tighten the focus on energy efficiency. 

Note: Electricians should obtain their own copy of the BS7671:2018 regulations and follow the requirements outlined in the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations - this blog is only a brief overview of the changes made.

• An extra category (section 730 that caters for electrical shore connections and inland navigation vessels) has been added to cater for this specialised location.

• Some new definitions have been added and certain existing definitions have been altered. For example, the word 'departure' has been added. This term can be used when an intentional decision is made not to comply with BS7671.

• A new appendix (appendix 17) has been added that focuses on energy efficiency. This appendix makes recommendations so that designers can optimise the construction, assembly and installation of electrical components so they are energy efficient.

• Arc fault detection devices have a more prominent place in chapter 42. They provide protection against electrical fires caused by faulty AC circuits.

Here at Access Training Academies, we know how important it is for all practising electricians to have an excellent understanding of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, that's why we have a course dedicated to teaching you the ins and outs of the 18th Edition!

Find out more about our 18th edition course by clicking the button below, get in contact if you think this course is the perfect next step in your electrical career!

18th Edition Course >

30-year-old Carly Gayle from Crewe recently made headlines after being dubbed 'The UK's Sexiest Plumber'. Her story (which was picked up by The Sun, the Daily Star and the Daily Mail, among others) highlighted the plight faced by women trying to make it in the male-dominated world of plumbing.

"Where's the man?"

Carly, a fifteen-year veteran of the plumbing trade, is often asked "where's the man?" when she arrives on-site for a job. Sadly, it's a line that lots of tradeswomen are familiar with, and it goes to show that many members of the public still hold very stereotypical views about what a plumber looks like.

While Carly did go on to mention that she has used that dismissive comment as fuel to help her succeed, her story does bring to light the hardships faced by female plumbers in the UK and the uphill battle they often endure.

Get Girls Plumbing

Another familiar element of this story is the fact that Carly was one of only two women on a plumbing course of 200. In fact, according to industry experts WaterSafe, less than 1% of all UK plumbers are female.

As a result of this stat, WaterSafe launched their 'Get Girls Plumbing' campaign back in 2014, aiming to promote the trade to female school leavers and women looking for a career change.

While the campaign has barely moved the needle in terms of overall figures, there's undoubtedly a market for female plumbers in the UK. In fact, WaterSafe also reported that 31% of women would prefer a female plumber to carry out work in their homes.

All-female companies have begun to spring up in a variety of male-dominated industries, from moving companies to taxi services. In fact, for many of these businesses, it's become a unique and lucrative selling point.

Gender equality is a hot topic in 21st-century Britain, and there's never been a better time for women to dive into the world of plumbing.

Our Plumbing Courses

Regardless of gender, plumbing is a great skill to have and an even better career to jump into. Careers in plumbing are well-paid, challenging and always in demand.

Luckily, here at Access Training UK, we have a wide variety of plumbing courses that offer both men and women the chance to learn a trade, switch careers, and change their lives for the better.

Essential Plumbing Course

Learn the basics needed to become a domestic plumber (no experience required).

Professional Plumbing Course

A comprehensive course to help you become a fully-qualified plumber (no experience required).

Premier Plumbing Course

Combined course allowing you to earn plumbing and gas qualifications simultaneously (no experience required).

Bathroom Fitting Course

This course will equip you with all the skills and knowledge needed to install bathrooms (no experience required).

Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems

If you're already a plumber or heating engineer, this course will teach you how to install and maintain unvented hot water storage systems

WRAS - Water Regulations Advisory Scheme

Completion of this course enables you to apply for 'approved contractor' status with your local water authority - a prerequisite for many employers.

NVQ Level 2 Certification – For Experienced Site Plumbers

This fast-track NVQ programme is designed for experienced plumbers looking to gain the NVQ Level 2 Diploma quickly and with minimal fuss.

Whether you're male or female, why not consider training to become a plumber with the help of Access Training UK? Our courses offer qualifications for a range of skill levels, allowing you to achieve your career aspirations within a relatively short time frame.

View Our Plumbing Courses >>

Not sure what qualifications you need to work as an electrician? Read our simple guide!

So you want to become an electrician, and you can't wait to enrol on a training course and start learning your new trade.

But there's a problem: you've been looking at the various training courses that are available for budding electricians, and each one seems to result in a different qualification. Now you're wondering which of those certificates and diplomas you actually need - which one will mark you out as a qualified electrician and enable you to turn professional?

Thing is, the world of electrical work is a rich tapestry, comprising lots of different tasks in lots of different places. There are lots of different electrician qualifications because there are lots of different electricians - some specialise in domestic installations, while others work exclusively in commercial/industrial environments. Some make a living from portable appliance testing (PAT), while others spend their days designing and installing complex electrical systems.

Still, there's no need to be baffled by the wide variety of available electrical qualifications. Here's a rough guide to some of the best-known electrician qualifications and what each one actually licenses you to do:

Basic Electrician Qualifications

Let's start with the qualifications that are included on our Essential Electrician Course. This a great course for beginners, consisting of three crucial electrical qualifications that just about all electrical engineers are expected to hold:

• Part P Domestic Installer - The Part P qualification allows you to install, inspect, test and certify a broad range of domestic electrical systems. Along with the 17th Edition certificate (see below), Part P is widely recognised as the essential qualification for new electricians.
  
  
• 17th Edition Wiring Regulations - The phrase '17th Edition' refers to the current Wiring Regulations to which British electricians must adhere. Gaining your 17th Edition certificate demonstrates that you have a good understanding of the Regulations and how to comply with them.
  
  
• Building Regulations for Electrical Installations in Dwellings - The Building Regulations are another important piece of legislation for electricians. Obtaining this qualification demonstrates that you understand the Building Regulations as applicable to electrical installations in homes and dwellings.

Going Further: Advanced Electrician Qualifications

Once you have earned the above qualifications, you may wish to work towards obtaining additional qualifications so as to set yourself apart from the competition and broaden the range of jobs you're capable of undertaking. Here are some of the more advanced qualifications that Access Training can help you to achieve:

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) - PAT testing can be a great source of income for professional electricians. This qualification (equivalent to the City & Guilds 2377 certificate) will equip you with the necessary skills to do it.
  
  
• Fundamental Inspection & Testing - This qualification is equivalent to the City & Guilds 2392 certificate and serves as a great introduction to electrical inspection and testing.
  
  
• Periodic Inspection & Testing - Following on from the above, this is a more advanced inspection and testing qualification that (as per City & Guilds 2395) focuses on developing these skills and equipping you with the knowledge you'll need to carry out professional periodic work.

• Design & Verification - Equivalent to the City & Guilds 2396 qualification, this is among the very highest electrician qualifications in the industry. It covers the design of electrical systems and enables you to design/specify systems for other electricians to install.

Click here to browse our full range of electrical courses, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the assorted electrician qualifications Access Training can help you to obtain.

Britain's departure from the EU is set to have an impact on every industry, including the construction sector. In a recent article by the National Housing Federation, they outline how two-thirds of housing professionals said they were facing a skills shortage, with exiting the EU being one of the main causes.  

To take a look at some numbers, a recent Federation of Master Builders Report indicates that '48% of SME construction firms reported a shortage of available plumbers' while '36% were struggling to find electricians' - and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming years!

The Immigration White Paper, published in December 2018, also proposes a new system where only 'skilled workers earning more than £30,000 per year' will be allowed to settle here, while less skilled workers will not be able to stay for longer than a year.

 So, what does all this mean?

Well, the uncertainty of Brexit is starting to drive EU construction workers away - particularly in London where there is the highest percentage of EU construction workers. British housing associations, construction companies and training centres, like ourselves, will really need to attract more people into the construction industry if we are to fill this pending employment gap. The number of British construction workers has to increase if we are to meet the housing needs of our population.

Is this the perfect time to train?

While this dramatic reduction in European construction workers seems alarming on the surface, it does present an opportunity for more British people to pursue careers in the construction industry. As more and more workers leave the UK during this tumultuous period, demand for construction workers in the UK increases. So newly trained workers shouldn't have any difficulty finding lucrative work in their chosen trade.

Are you interested in helping to bridge the post-Brexit skills shortage? We offer courses that will allow you to pursue a brand new career or expand your existing skill set, including:

• Electrical Courses
• Gas Courses
• Plumbing Courses
• Construction Courses

We really do believe that now is an excellent time to consider taking up a career in a trade. Our courses will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career and really make a difference as a new construction industry emerges from post-Brexit Britain. Enquire about our courses today! 

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While many Brits can profess to getting plastered when the weekend rears its joyous head, actual plastering is a skill that far fewer people have mastered.

Luckily, if you're looking to boost your home maintenance expertise, the path to plastering proficiency can be as smooth as a freshly-skimmed ceiling.

Whether you’re actively thinking of pursuing a plastering career or your home is simply in need of a bit of TLC, a plastering course from Access Training is a great way to fill the holes in your knowledge and get to grips with this extremely handy skill set.

How do I become a plasterer?

According to UCAS, you don’t need to have any formal qualifications for this career path - but that doesn't mean you can just pick up a trowel and a tub of plastering mix and call yourself a plasterer.

In order to make a living from plastering, you will - of course - need to know what you’re doing. The two best routes to plastering nirvana are either a plastering apprenticeship or an accredited plastering training course.

What skills do I need to become a plasterer?

In addition to gaining the know-how of the ins and outs of plastering, it also helps to come equipped with a few key skills in your arsenal.

Plastering can be a physically demanding job, requiring considerable manual labour and long periods of strenuous activity. As such, a decent level of fitness can give you a strong advantage – the last thing you want is to 'hit the wall' when you’re mid-way through coating a ceiling.

In addition to physical fitness, skills such as attention to detail and efficient time management can also play a vital role in your job as a professional plasterer. An uneven finish or a prolonged job can lead to an unhappy customer and the potential for a diminished return.

Speaking of customers, good people skills can also be helpful as you will be dealing with customers face-to-face as part of your daily job. Good manners and a sociable demeanour can go a long way when it comes to customer service, and it can also make the whole process more enjoyable for all concerned.

For aspiring plasterers still in school, prior knowledge can be particularly advantageous, especially if you have studied Design Technology in some form. As such, DT is a helpful and worthwhile subject to pursue, providing a number of highly transferable skills.

Train to become a plasterer

At Access Training, we offer four primary options for those looking to take up plastering. Ranging from base-line knowledge of the trade for total newbies to NVQ certification for accomplished tradespeople, we have the course to suit your needs and skill level.

DIY Plastering Course

Perfect for those looking to learn the basics for home maintenance and household repairs, this course will provide you with the knowledge you need to independently carry out plastering jobs in your own home.

 

Essential Plastering Course

A more in-depth introduction than the DIY alternative, the Essential course offers a thorough introduction to the basics of plastering, providing a great foundation for those looking to pursue a career in the trade.

 

Professional Plastering Course

Offering a comprehensive induction to plastering, the Professional course provides extensive knowledge for those looking to make plastering their career, including everything from mixing and cutting to skimming and screeding.

 

NVQ Level 2 Certification

For the more accomplished pro looking to prove their existing skills, the NVQ Level 2 accreditation can be a great seal of approval to have, demonstrating competency and professionalism to potential employers and customers alike.

Thinking of becoming a plasterer? Make your transition as smooth as a finished wall with a plastering training course from Access Training.

Call 0800 345 7492 today or click the button below for more information.

View All Plastering Courses >

Here at Access Training, we constantly stress the importance of safe electrical practice in the workplace, but this unfortunate incident really brings it home!

On the 12th of April 2017, two demolition workers were tasked with removing electrical distribution equipment from a switchgear room at the Molecular Products site in Essex. The principal contractor had told the men that the electrical equipment they were dealing with had been fully isolated.

Foolishly, one man attempted to 'reassure his colleague' that the electricals had in fact been isolated by throwing a metal crowbar at the 400v ac equipment.

Unfortunately, when the crowbar came into contact with the live electricals it created a flashover (explosion) at temperatures of several thousand degrees which led immediately to quite a devastating fire. The man who through the crowbar, Mr Banks, suffered serious burns and was taken into hospital.

HSE investigated this incident and found that the task had not been properly planned at that suitable control measures hadn't been put in place. The principal contractor had failed to follow the procedures stating that all electrical equipment should be treated as live until properly checked and confirmed to be isolated. 

The Consequences:

• Mr Banks sustained horrific burns & injuries
• Russel Haigh and Stuart Haigh pled guilty to breaching Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations  Act 1989 and we both fined £80,000
• AJ Wadhams & Co Ltd pled guilty to breaching section of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 197 and was fined £80,000

HSE inspector Adam Hills said:

“This incident has had a significant impact on Mr Banks life and the injuries could so very easily have been fatal. Had the companies followed the control measures outlined in their respective risk assessments, then this incident would not have occurred. Never assume that an electrical supply is disconnected. Always check with the distribution network operator or a qualified electrician to obtain written proof of isolation before commencing work.”

Read more about this incident here >

 Electrical Training

If there's one thing to take away from this, it's that working with electricals can be incredibly dangerous (and costly) if something goes wrong. That's why we can't stress enough how important it is that you receive the proper electrical training before carrying out this kind of work!

Here at Access Training Academies, we offer electrical training for students of all ages and abilities. If you're interested in pursuing a career in electrical work, come and learn the necessary skills and practices at one of our training centres. 

View Our Electrical Courses >

If you have any questions about our electrical courses, or to arrange a visit to one of our test centres, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0800 345 7492 or email us at info@accesstraininguk.co.uk.

Carpentry is one of the oldest occupations there is, dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt and beyond. The Bible, of course, features myriad references to carpentry, from Noah and his ark to Joseph, husband of Mary.

That being said, a lot has changed since Biblical times - it's unlikely that Noah or Joseph had any formal carpentry qualifications. But what credentials does a modern-day carpenter need in order to succeed?

What do I need to become a carpenter?

Carpentry isn't like gas or electrical work - there's no specific certification (or set of certifications) that you're legally required to possess. Strictly speaking, the only thing you need to do in order to enter the trade and carry out on-site work is demonstrate your competence as a carpenter.

There are a number of valid ways to do this, but one of the most popular options is to complete a portfolio of work and earn the NVQ Level 2 Carpentry qualification.

How do I get my NVQ?

Well, hold on now. Before you can start working towards the NVQ Level 2 certification, you'll need to actually learn carpentry.

Again, you have a number of different options here. Some people choose to do an apprenticeship, working alongside an established carpenter and gradually learning the trade from them. Mind you, it can take a number of years to go from apprentice to fully-fledged carpenter, so if you're looking to start your new career sooner rather than later, you may prefer to enrol on an accredited carpentry training course.

View Our Carpentry Courses >

Once you've learned all the skills a carpenter needs to know - and you feel confident that you're proficient enough to start work - then you can begin the NVQ process. This involves:

• Attending a formal induction session
• Completing a portfolio of evidence (including photographs of the work you've completed and written testimonies from witnesses)
• Submitting your finished portfolio for assessment

If you're already a competent carpenter and you think you're ready to earn your NVQ Level 2 Carpentry qualification, click here to find out Access Training can help. Otherwise, use the links below to find out more about our carpentry training packages for learners of all experience levels.

Carpentry Training Packages >  Speak to a Course Advisor >

Specialising in general home repairs and domestic maintenance, a handyman is very much a 'Jack of all trades'.

Covering everything from hanging picture frames to building flatpack furniture, a good handyman will be well-versed in the art of small jobs within the homestead – after all, why should Thor get to be the only hero with a hammer?

If you're a dab hand with a drill and a superstar with a spanner, you yourself could have the makings of a fine handyman (or handywoman).

Do you have the skills to pay the bills? Become a doctor of DIY and take your domestic talents to the next level with a handyman course from Access Training.

View DIY Carpentry Course >

Why take a handyman course?

Whether you want to set up your own handyman business or simply brush up on some essential domestic skills, a handyman course can be a great way to broaden your horizons and enhance your abilities.

Completing a course on the do's and don’ts of DIY will allow you to easily overcome common home maintenance issues, save money on household repairs and, best of all, provide you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to be independent within the home.

Outside of that, handyman skills can be a great way to supplement your income by carrying out odd jobs for others. Better still, a relevant training course could even provide you with a solid base on which to build your very own business.

Which handyman course is right for me?

Often grouped together under the banners of 'Property Maintenance' or 'Home Maintenance', handyman courses offer a whole host of useful domestic skills to learn.

From plumbing and bricklaying to painting and decorating, the list of handyman courses available across the UK is vast and wide-ranging. Finding the right one for you can depend largely on your specific needs and aspirations.

If you simply want to brush up on some household skills, a standard DIY course should fit the bill nicely; however, if you want something a little meatier to prepare you for a professional venture, you may want to consider a more comprehensive training programme.

Our DIY training courses

At Access Training, we offer two primary DIY courses, both of which are designed to help you become more independent in the home and give you the functional expertise to easily overcome typical household headaches.

The DIY courses currently available from Access Training are:

• DIY Carpentry Course - From tool handling and basic cutting to hanging doors and fitting locks, our DIY Carpentry Course covers a wide variety of tasks in order to help you improve your practical carpentry skills around the home.
  
  
• DIY Plastering Course - Providing you with all the basic know-how on the art of plastering, our DIY Plastering Course is ideal for anyone looking to take on a domestic plastering job, covering everything from mixing materials to rendering walls.

Further training courses

In addition to the DIY courses outlined above, we also provide a number of other 'Essential' courses that are ideal for anyone looking to get to grips with a skill they've never tried before.

These include:

• Essential Plumbing Course
• Essential Gas Course
• Essential Electrical Course
• Essential Kitchen Installation Course

These entry-level courses may be considered a step up from the DIY level, providing a superb foundation if you're looking to turn professional in the near future.

Get in touch now to speak with a course advisor >