An electrician from Wolverhampton has fought back against criminals by utilising his own electrical knowledge to create a unique anti-break-in system.

Wolverhampton resident, Ray Taylor, has fallen victim to tool theft numerous times over the years, losing out on thousands of pounds worth of equipment in the process.

These frustrations led Mr Taylor to protect his van by putting his electrician skills to good use, providing any would-be thieves with a nasty shock.

Sparking Controversy

By modifying a battery-operated fly-swatter, Taylor was able to channel a mild electric current directly into the door handle.

The anti-theft device also incorporates sirens and high-frequency sound bombs for the ultimate thief deterrent.

While the unusual method of security seems like something straight out of Home Alone, it’s proved to be extremely effective in real-life use.

Taylor has since copyrighted his design and is selling his ingenious invention to fellow tradesmen looking to combat tool thieves.

Knowledge is Power

The story highlights once again that the skills gained for a career in a trade can be invaluable and their use can stretch far beyond that of the trade itself.

Electricians not only have the ability to earn a living independently but they also have the skills to solve a myriad of problems in their own day-to-day life, from issues in the home to – in Mr Taylor’s case – personal security.

Become an Electrician with Access Training UK

At Access Training UK, we have a variety of electrical courses for complete novices and trade professionals alike. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill from scratch of build upon your existing knowledge of the trade, we have a course for you!

New Career Courses

If you are interested in learning the electrical trade, why not check out the following courses. These are available to all skill levels, even those with no prior experience.

Essential Electrical Course

Professional Electrical Course

Premier Electrical Course

Trade Professional Courses

For more advanced professionals looking to build on their existing knowledge, we offer a number of courses designed to help you become a more well-rounded, versatile pro.

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 any of our courses, why not get in touch today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or drop us line using the link below.

Get in Touch

While many people are panic-buying coffee, baked beans and various other post-Brexit goods, a (semi) silver lining is starting to emerge.

As it stands, the average salary for a construction worker is sitting at roughly £45,900, for a site manager, £50,500, and for a senior site manager £62,900! Amazingly, some construction workers are commanding wages not dissimilar to our MPs. Back in 2017, the average salary for a construction worker was considerably less, at only £42,300. 

That's incredible news for the lucky individuals working in these construction roles, but the reason their wages are so high leaves much to be desired for the British economy.

Why Have Construction Wages Gone Up?

The uncertainty around Brexit is (unsurprisingly) causing workers from overseas to lose confidence in Britain and the job prospects it can offer. As expected, they're beginning to seek work elsewhere in the world.  On top of that, many foreign nationals who have been living and working here for years are getting cold feet and seriously considering packing up and leaving (if they haven't done so already).

Whether this will have a positive impact on the construction workforce long-term is yet to be seen, but the initial impact has been somewhat fruitful for those that remain. 

The Construction Worker Commodity

Nearly 1/3 of construction workers in London are originally from Europe. As Brexit takes its toll, our pool of EU construction workers is starting to evaporate, leaving the remaining workers to fulfil demand. As with any commodity, be it gold or grain, it becomes more valuable as it goes down in number - construction workers are no exception!

So, as the number of construction workers in the UK goes down, the demand for skilled workers goes up and suddenly, being good at your job makes you considerably more valuable than you may have been a few years ago! 

The downside of all this? Brexit is putting extra strain on manufacturers who are unable to progress with business as usual until Brexit has blown over. 

Time to Train

If you've been thinking about learning a trade or working in the construction industry, it seems as though there's never been a better time to start! Not only can you benefit from steadily increasing salary prospects, but you can also help keep Britain's construction industry afloat in this time of turmoil! 

Here at Access Training Academies, we offer avenues into a huge range of construction industries, including but not limited to:

• Carpentry
• Plastering
• Kitchen Fitting
• Plumbing

And more! If none of these courses takes your fancy, there's plenty more for you to choose from. If you're interested in starting a new career in a professional trade, then give us a call on 0800 345 7492 now!

Juggling a full-time job and a personal life can be a tough task for many of us in the working world; however, that’s not to say it’s impossible.

In fact, some manage to play the game to perfection – quite literally. One such example of that is self-employed Yorkshire electrician, Ben Kaye.

Shocking Victory

A master of the work/life balance, Mr Kaye somehow manages to juggle being a full-time electrician while also playing hooker for Halifax RLFC.

Halifax currently play their rugby in the Championship, the second-tier RFL division beneath the Super League; however, the northern underdogs have had their fair share of headlines in the top-flight too.

This season, the Fax shockingly made it to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, defeating Bradford Bulls in the quarters before being knocked out by league giants, St Helens.

Kaye himself has also had his fair share of time in the rugby spotlight, having played for the mighty Leeds Rhinos and Harlequins RL (AKA London Broncos) in the Super League.

In a wild twist of fate, Kaye even wound up working on the Leeds’ Headingly Stadium during the ground’s renovation, lending his electrical expertise in the demolition of the South Stand.

Electrifying

Despite being just 30-years old, Kaye believes himself to be in the twilight of his rugby career, having sustained a myriad of injuries over the course of his playing days, including two torn groins and severely torn biceps tendons.

Speaking to the BBC prior to the showdown with league giants, St Helens, the bright spark told cameras he would describe his dual careers as what else but… “electrifying”. Need we say more!

Jokes aside, Kaye’s moonlighting as a weekend rugby league warrior highlights a key bonus of being a self-employed electrician – that being flexibility.

Freedom

Between mid-week call-outs, installations and routine jobs, being a self-employed electrician provides you with the freedom to work largely to your own schedule, taking on as much or as little work as you like.

What’s more, the electrical trade provides a virtually endless stream of work. Electricians are in constant demand and, barring any revolutionary global breakthroughs, that doesn’t look to change any time soon.

If you’re looking to put the power back in your hands, why not take charge of your future by training to become an electrician? At Access Training UK, we offer a variety of courses that are specifically engineered to get you plugged in, charged up and good to go in no time.

Meanwhile, we also offer a range of courses tailored towards more experienced tradesmen looking to further their careers, hone their skills and build on their existing training and expertise. Whatever your skill level, we can help you give your electrician career healthy boost.

For more information on our electrical courses, call Access Training UK today on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online using the link below.

Get in Touch

Britain’s job market has had a turbulent time over the last decade, enduring the lows of a recession to bounce back to record highs in 2019.

However, according to UK recruitment giant, REED, Britain could be in store for another hefty setback in the near future – one that could negatively affect employment nationwide.

Alarming Job Statistics

REED chairman and company namesake, James Reed, recently expressed his fears of another impending recession on the horizon, following what he calls “the largest fall in jobs since 2010”.

According to Mr Reed, company statistics have seen alarming trends in hospitality and education, where both sectors have seen declines of 24% and 10% respectively.

The Mail on Sunday went on to confirm that the site saw job vacancies drop by 2.3% in the second quarter. While this may not seem much, that figures actually equates to 16,467 job listings.

This is by no means an indictment on REED – they are still Britain’s most popular recruitment site online. As such, this should very much come as worrying news for those heading into the job market or currently in unemployment.

Brexit Wounds

While these trends are a likely by-product of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the UK’s immediate future, there are ways to safeguard your job security and employability.

Despite the fall in job listings and notable hits in a number of industries, James Reed also noted that there was an increase in demand for skilled workers. Meanwhile, the REED site also saw a growth in temporary jobs.

For contractors and those in the trade, such news may come as an encouraging sign, particularly for those that are self-employed.

Skills to Pay the Bills

While the prospect of a potential recession on the horizon is not good news for anyone, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for those looking to learn a trade.

Tradespeople trained in a specific skill – such as electricians, gas fitters and plumbers – will be far more protected in the event of a downturn in the jobs market. The reason for this is that these services are vital for maintaining public utilities.

In fact, the aforementioned jobs in particular are often found in lists of so-called “recession-proof” jobs. While that term is naturally to be taken with a pinch of salt, these jobs are undoubtedly more secure than those within unstable industries, like hospitality.

Access Training Courses

If you are interested in learning a trade or switching career paths, now is the perfect time to consider making the jump. Why not take a course with Access Training UK and safeguard your employment future today?

Click the links below to find out more about our utility-related courses and protect your financial future today:

- Electrical Courses

- Gas Courses

- Plumbing Courses

For more information on courses with Access Training UK, why not get in touch today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or drop us an email using the link below.

Contact Us

How many jobs do you feel capable of doing around your home? Can you bleed a radiator? Do you know how to hang a door?

Well, if you're a young adult and your answer to these questions is yes then you are part of the minority! A third of young people (37%) said they could confidently change a shower head, and even fewer (31%) said they knew how to bleed a radiator. When the same questions were asked of over 55 year olds, 65% said they could change a shower head, and a staggering 79% knew how to bleed a radiator!

So the question is, does experience come with age, or are we living with a generation of young people who aren't confident in picking up their tools and giving DIY a go?

Part of the problem is that young people, more often than not, live in rented properties rather than their own homes. This means they rely heavily on their landlords to pay for and solve any problems that may occur in the home. More often than not, young people are left for days, if not weeks, with an unfixed problem in their home while waiting for their landlords to organise a solution. 

We want to inspire young people to give DIY tasks a go, but one thing to be wary of is that there are some jobs you can do with the help of a YouTube video... but there are some jobs that should not be attempted without proper training (that's where we come in).

Improving Your DIY Skills

Besides offering some excellent Electrical, Gas and Plumbing Courses, we also offer a range of construction courses such as:

• Carpentry
• Plastering
• Kitchen Fitting 

These courses will teach you skills that will prove very useful if you want to try your hand at DIY tasks around your home. Better still, you could use your trade to help complete jobs for friends, family or even start your own business and make a profit on your new DIY skills!

If you want to enquire about one of our courses, don't hesitate to get in touch - you can call us on 0800 345 7492 or click the button below to fill in an enquiry form today!

Enquire Now >

Whether you’re starting your journey in the working world, looking to gain some additional skills or retraining as part of a career change, becoming a fully qualified professional in your chosen field can be an exciting endeavour.

For many, this can also present the opportunity to truly branch out on your own as a solo act. Running your own business can be a natural progression, particularly when it comes to those who have successfully completed electrical courses and plumbing courses.

That being said, having your own business is no small feat and can pose its own set of challenges. Nevertheless, working for yourself obviously has its fair share of perks too – but is the fruit worth the labour?

Let’s find out as we weigh up the pros and cons of having your own business.

Disadvantages of Running Your Own Business

While the benefits of running your own business can be huge, for every pro there is an opposing con to level the playing field. After all, if it were that easy, everyone would do it – so to think it’s all plain sailing would be naïve.

Before we get into the upside of running your own business, let’s take a look at the downside.

Start-Up Costs

Creating your own business from scratch naturally requires a lot of investment, particularly in the early stages when you’re getting your company off the ground. From equipment to registration fees, the overall sum can amount to a hefty chunk of change.

As such, starting a business can become a bit of a “chicken and egg” scenario. You need funds to make it happen and you can’t get funds without work, which often makes business loans (and the interest attached) a necessary evil.

In addition to financial demands, it also applies to time demands. Which leads us nicely to…

Longer Hours

On the other side of the coin, running your own business can also translate into long working hours, weekend projects and unsociable shifts. If a job needs to be completed and runs over, it’s on your head.

While it does present the opportunity to work when you want to, if you want to make your business a success, there will be periods when you have to put the work in.

Uncertainty

When you work for yourself, there is a definite element of uncertainty when it comes to income and workload, particularly in the early days while you are still yet to become an established name.

This can make it hard to plan financially as well as socially. Meanwhile, the market can change depending on the financial climate of the country, while undercutting and volume of local competition from rival firms can also influence your income.

Distractions

Running your own business can be great when it comes to freedom; however, it also can be a bit of a curse when it comes to outside demands. Distraction can come in many forms, particularly if you work from home.

What’s more, when you have no-one to answer to, friends and family can take that as an open invitation to lead you astray. As such, keeping your mind on the task at hand can be a lesson in discipline and self-control.

Advantages of Running Your Own Business

Now that the negatives have been covered, let’s take a walk on the positive side.

While there are reservations to be had when it comes to working for yourself, there are a long list of benefits that could potentially outweigh the negatives substantially – particularly if you have the drive and determination to succeed.

Be Your Own Boss

When you run your own business, you effectively answer to no-one…except the customer, course. Nobody can tell you what to do, no-one will grill you for missing your alarm and, perhaps best of all, nobody can fire or replace you.

Being your own boss also means you are in charge of your own destiny. All the important decision-making is left up to you and your fate really does lie in the palm of your own hands.

Creativity

Part of the appeal of running your own business is the unrivalled sense of creative autonomy that comes with it. The freedom to take your business in your own direction provides a sense of creativity that is rarely duplicated in an employed environment.

From the business name to company logo, your input is a vital part of the process and your ideas shape the outcome. Right down to the pricing of your services, you can set the bar at a level that you desire.

Sink or Swim

Running a business will expand your skills beyond the task itself and see you learn more about a variety of aspects: from marketing tactics to accounting. You will naturally learn what works and what doesn’t – which in itself can be a growing experience of maturation.

The personal satisfaction of growing your business yourself can create a proud achievement.

Flexibility

Perhaps the biggest bonus of running your own business is the genuine flexibility that comes with it. If you don’t want to work Mondays, don’t take that Monday morning booking; if you want to take the week off to take the kids away for half term, nobody can tell you otherwise.

When you steer the ship, you get out what you put in and – provided the demand is there – you can work as much or as little as you can afford to. Your workload rests almost entirely on your own work ethic.

Financial Windfall

Why should someone else reap the rewards of your hard work? When you work for yourself, the income generated goes directly into your proverbial pocket.

While you may have to pay out for X or Y along the way, the cash you’ve earned is yours to do with as you please, without someone else taking the lion’s share of the pie beforehand.

What’s more, you may also benefit from business expenses and tax exemptions, such as travel costs, office setup, etc.

So, there you have it, a balanced, Ying-Yang overview of self-employment. For more information on starting your own business or details on our wide variety of skills courses available to help start you on your journey, call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch using the button below.

Get in Touch >

A man from Staffordshire has been sentenced to prison time after he performed gas work in someone's home with no experience or qualifications to do so. The man, named Colin Christoper Batchelor, conducted this gas work in September 2016. He:

• Removed an old boiler
• Installed a new boiler 
• Installed a gas meter
• Connected pipework

All while being completely unregistered to do so!

When Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated this incident, they found that Mr Batchelor had performed gas work while claiming to his client that he was part of the Gas Safe register, when in fact, he was not. He was not competent to carry out the gas work that he did, and the result of his shoddy workmanship was a home left unsafe. Mr Batchelor failed to carry out any tests or examinations to verify that the installation was safe and gas-tight once his work was finished.

Mr Batchelor pleaded guilty to five separate breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment for each offence. That means, that Mr Bachelor's thoughtless actions have cost him over three years of his life!

After the hearing, HSE inspector, Dr Riley Roberts, said:

"The Gas Safe Register Exist to protect the public from people such as Colin Christopher Batchelor, who are prepared to work illegally, falsify records and carry out potentially dangerous gas work. Performing gas work without being competent to do so can be highly dangerous and lead to loss of life."

Don't risk being prosecuted like Mr Batchelor. Do a gas course with Access Training Academies and we will give you the skills and practical knowledge you need to become Gas Safe registered.

Browse Our Gas Courses Now >

A recent study by Which? has revealed that dodgy DIY is a primary cause for plumber call-outs across the UK.

In a survey that covered over 3800 Brits, the variety of home maintenance jobs tackled by the untrained, unequipped and unqualified ranged from unblocking a toilet to fitting an entire bathroom suite.

Somewhat predictably, these DIY plumbing jobs often end in a damp squib, leaving many homeowners in hot water.

As a result, this translates to a lot of extra work for UK plumbers.

The Numbers

The results of the study highlighted some interesting trends, particularly when it comes to the common DIY tasks we attempt at home.

According to the Which? study, 53% of those that took part had attempted to replace a set of taps themselves.

Theoretically, assuming this survey is indicative of the nation as a whole, that means over half of Britain has dabbled in home plumbing in pursuit of saving a few quid.

Meanwhile, a further 41% had attempted to plumb in an appliance themselves and 35% have attempted to fix a leak.

DI-Why?

On the flip side of these figures, traders are commonly hired to help solve these issues created by over-enthusiastic DIYers.

In fact, over 60% of the traders surveyed had been called in to finish the aforementioned tasks, proving that there really is no substitute for first-hand knowledge and professional experience.

Worse still, these DIY disasters often lead to even worse problems occurring, from small leaks developing into larger issues to poor installation completely ruining kitchens.

DIY Plumbing Courses

One thing that’s abundantly clear from the study is that DIY plumbing jobs are a sure-fire way to get yourself in deep water – quite literally at times!

That being said, here at Access Training UK, we have a variety of entry-level plumbing courses available, designed to help you not only become a DIY VIP but also a veritable plumbing pro in no time at all.

Ideal for anyone looking to learn a new skill, perfect their DIY skills or change their career path entirely, these plumbing related courses have the ability to change your life as well as your home.

Essential Plumbing Course

Designed for absolute beginners, this course provides you with a firm understanding of the basics and sets you up for a potential new career in the trade.

Professional Plumbing Course

This all-level course provides a variety of useful qualifications, designed to equip you with the knowledge to confidently enter the world of professional plumbing.

Advanced Plumbing Course

Ideal for beginners or those looking to update their existing skills, this course allows you to learn the ins and outs of plumbing and gas fitting.

Bathroom Installation Course

Specifically designed for those that want to design and install bathroom suites to a professional standard, this course is open to all skill levels.

For more information on our plumbing courses, call now on 0800 345 7492 or hit the button below to get in touch online.

Contact Us

If you’re someone who’s finding a monotonous nine to five job isn’t fulfilling your ambitions, then becoming self-employed will seem like a very appealing option! Being your own boss gives you lots of freedom to:

• Choose who you work with
• Decide your own working hours
• Determine your own rate of pay

And much more! Self-employment often appeals to people with young families who need more flexibility in their lifestyles to cope with the demands of young children. However, self-employment is something that people of any age or skill level can pursue with the right training and motivation to do so.

How can Access Training Academies help me become self-employed?

Access Training Academies specialise in providing the training you need to pursue a career in the profession of your choice. Whether you want to start your own electrical company or become a freelance carpenter we can give you the training you need to become your own boss in a short space of time.

We are one of the country’s leading training providers and we have a range of courses to suit all skill levels. Even if you are a complete beginner, we can teach you the technical and practical elements of your chosen profession so that you leave our training centre feeling confident enough to work!

Success Stories

You might be thinking, ‘I’d love to be self-employed but I’m not sure how feasible it really is.’ There’s no need to doubt your abilities, we’ve had plenty of successful students go on to become self-employed when they leave Access Training Academies with their new qualifications!

Here are a few student testimonials to inspire you:

• I'm the happiest I've ever been in my working life. I love being my own boss and having control over my work schedule. And I'm earning three times what I was at the BBC! - Richard Gates.

• This course has led to me becoming self-employed as an electrician and I’ve expanded my family's building and roofing business - Scott Daly.

• I plan to become a self-employed as a plumber and the course has helped me learn all the skills I need to work on my own confidently – David Morgan.

So, what are you waiting for? Enquire today to start your journey towards becoming self-employed in a profession you love! We will guide you every step of the way.

Browse Our Courses Today >

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 below!

View our 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.

Get in Touch

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