"As I look back on my life, I realise that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better" - Vala Afshar, July 2020

Has COVID-19 given us a new perspective on the value of work?

The global pandemic has had a huge impact on our working lives. It has forced many of us to consider just how much we value our work and how much we enjoy our current jobs - if we enjoy them at all!

The boundaries between work life and home life have been blurred by the lockdown, and it can be difficult to strike the correct balance. Most types of work, while important, are not as important as feeling the fulfilment of one's family, hobbies and the home itself. This leads to one question:

Do you really enjoy your work?

Many supposedly 'low-skilled' jobs have recently gained an air of heightened importance - perhaps even prestige. At the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, the UK government recognised cleaners, delivery drivers, retail staff and so on as 'Key Workers' and acknowledged that the country would grind to a halt without their continued efforts.

This 'Key Worker' label means a great deal to many and has generated some well-earned respect for professionals whom we too often forget. But being 'key' does not always mean making a good salary, even though many of these people have recently been working longer hours in extraordinarily stressful circumstances.

And amid all the current chaos, it's easy to forget reports from recent years suggesting that workplace morale is very low in general - for instance, a 2017 Gallup poll reported that 87% of workers in the UK felt disengaged in their job.

Still, with more people working from home lately, we now seem to be collectively appreciating the value of work and recognising that it does play a crucial role in our wellbeing. We can be happy in our work as long as the job is enjoyable, rewarding and reasonably secure.

What job will make you happiest?

The economic slump that will surely follow this pandemic is likely to see many workers looking for new roles that offer the right amount of job security and longevity. A lot of people are already seeking a new purpose in life; finding the 'right' career is paramount for one's personal identity, but happiness is the key factor for most of us.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important is to have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." - Steve Jobs, 2005

So what's the secret to professional happiness? A survey commissioned back in 2018 by Boundless found that Britain's plumbers are the happiest professionals in the country, with 55% of plumbers saying they were 'very happy' in life.

The survey was designed to uncover who is happy, both at home and at work, and what makes them feel good about themselves and their lives. Plumbers ranked highly in the survey for quality of sleep and physical activity. Not a single plumber said they were 'unhappy' in their job. Compare this to those who work in customer service, and to lawyers, police officers and chefs, all of whom were reported as being unhappy in their work.

Electricians, at 50%, were also one of the happiest groups, with tradespeople in general being way ahead in their happiness index. Builders were also high up on the list.

The Boundless job happiness index

Very happy in life:

1. Plumbers (55%)
2. Builders (38%)
3. Marketing (36%)
4. Taxi & Lorry Drivers (32%)
5. Bankers (32%)
6. Doctors (31%)

[Source]

Browse Plumbing Courses   Browse Electrical Courses

Photo from Pexels

"You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - Vala Afshar, June 2020

Right now, we find ourselves singularly and collectively living through a period of change whose outcome none of us can confidently predict. The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown are events that have become huge catalysts for change, the likes of which we have not seen for generations.

Will things ever return to 'normal'? That's what we're all asking - habits have changed or been broken for us, and that has given many of us the space and time to think about the future and do a bit of soul searching. From a career point of view, there are certainly some deep questions to consider: Where am I going? What is my end goal? Have I just been going through the motions, conforming to a pattern because that's what everyone else was doing - just getting on or getting by?

Here's one positive thing about the lockdown: it's shown us that other ways are possible and that not everything is predetermined. We are allowed to think differently now, and where you go from this point in your life - and your career - depends on you and your decisions as an individual.

How we learn new skills is crucial, and the speed of change in learning has been breathtaking. Universities are under threat because people are now wondering if there's something better and less expensive they could be doing to progress their careers. What are my other options, you might ask, and are traditional institutions really worth the price tag?

As an aside and by way of an example, school teaching - while undoubtedly an indispensable profession - is having to dramatically rethink its approach. Other viable ways of educating have emerged in recent months; online learning has become the new norm in some areas, with the benefits now outweighing the negatives for many. It's another example of the 'interruption of the established ways of doing things' that can have unintended consequences and lead to better solutions that focus on the outcomes or the 'goal' first and foremost.

Access Training Academies' online learning portal is a result of challenging 'the norm' and a reflection of this period of change.

There are even more drastic changes that have grown beyond all expectations. The way we consume goods and services has altered dramatically and will affect our economic model forever; with it, the jobs and careers that many are currently pursuing will change or may be negatively affected. We are clearly seeing the entertainment and hospitality sectors being badly affected, and retailers are suffering from a lack of footfall in shopping centres and high streets due to a surge in online shopping. Is this a new 'normal'? People are certainly now thinking of where to go with their careers and what their aspirations are.

Above all, everyone will want job security and to be at ease with their future prospects, as the current uncertainty has affected every part of our lives and the wider economy. LinkedIn, the social network that focuses on professional networking and career development, last week published a Workforce Confidence report showing how confident UK professionals are feeling about their job security, financial wellbeing and career prospects.

Source: LinkedIn

"The latest data shows professionals working in the Construction and Software & IT Services industries are feeling most confident, with a score of 24, followed by Healthcare (21), Finance (18) and Manufacturing (18). Several industries were found to have a score of below 10, with Nonprofits feeling the least confident, with a score of 0, followed by Recreation & Travel (4) and Retail (6)."

The construction industry is one of two sectors with the highest level of confidence reported; job security could be high for the next few decades. The recent announcement by the UK Government regarding huge infrastructure investment means the future is bright in this sector.

The sheer volume of available construction work has increased and will continue to increase a great deal over the short, medium and long term, with lots of work required in terms of erecting buildings and modern infrastructure. Furthermore, older buildings will continue needing to be restored or refurbished, so there should be no shortage of work for tradespeople. New, sustainable practices have brought about the need for a greater volume of hi-tech construction projects, which will of course continue to require a steady supply of workers over the coming years.

The COVID-19 lockdown has not been a positive experience overall, but if there's a silver lining, it's that the lockdown has given many of us the chance to wonder where we are going and why. Maintaining a constant level of happiness throughout our lives is paramount; despite events that are out of our control, we all continually work to maintain that certain level of happiness. Making changes - such as shifting our values, our attention and our goals - allows us to be alert to our situation, and having a stable, rewarding and fulfilling career is central to that. A career in construction could be the solution for you.

Learn your trade. Get qualified. Make it happen.

Contact Access Training   Browse Training Courses

Photo from Pexels

Planning a career change at 30 can be a daunting but exciting task. Perhaps you’ve always been interested in a different industry or maybe you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job. Whatever the reason is, this blog will unpack why it’s never too late to change careers at 30, 40 or even 50 and why a fresh start could be the perfect choice for you!

Is 30 Too Old to Change Career?

People often feel a pressure to know what they want from life at a young age, and by the time they're 30 and realise they're not where they want to be, they're told that they're 'too old' to make a big life change. Well, we're here to tell you the truth - you're never too old to start a new career! 

At 30 years old, you have better financial security, years of work experience under your belt, plus you’re young and adaptable enough to learn new skills – you could argue this makes 30 the perfect time for a career change!

How Do I Know if a Career Change at 30 Is Right for Me?

Knowing when it’s the right time to change careers can be challenging. If you’ve noticed that your work leaves you feeling burnt out, stressed and unmotivated—or if it’s affecting your confidence and mental health—then it may be a good idea to think about swapping to a more fulfilling career.

In your younger years, you may not have had the confidence or opportunity to pursue the career you really wanted, but you can’t let that stop you now! Most Access Training students are in their 30s and couldn’t be more pleased they have made the jump to learning a trade.

Why You Should Learn a Trade at 30

1. Job Security

One of the biggest advantages of learning a trade is that there is always a high demand for skilled tradespeople. In fact, many trades are experiencing skills shortages, making it easier than ever to step into a job where your skills are highly valued and needed.

Trades are also often recession-proof, so where other industries may see job cuts, the trades will remain in demand. If you’re looking for a secure career choice, look no further!

2. Earning Potential

Many trades offer competitive salaries that are above the average wage. With the experience and certifications you will earn at Access Training, you will be able to jump straight into the working world and quickly earn a good wage.

3. Rewarding Work

Unlike many traditional office jobs, working in the trades allows you to see the impact of your work directly. Whether you’re fixing a family boiler or installing a lighting system, you will be able to see the tangible outcome of your work and the positive difference it makes for your community.

4. Career Flexibility

Once you have mastered your trade, you can choose whether you want to work for an employer or become self-employed. As a self-employed tradesperson, you are free to choose your own hours, set your own rates and work where you want! This can open up opportunities for relocation and travel that you wouldn’t have in other roles.

5. Fewer Barriers to Entry

Trade programmes are typically shorter, less expensive and have fewer entry requirements than traditional college degrees. This can make the career change to the trades far quicker and easier than other career changes, particularly if you’re financially limited or already have student debt.

So, if you’re 30 and thinking about a career change, remember that it is never too late to learn a trade. With the right mindset, training and willingness to start afresh, you can achieve success and fulfilment in your job at any age! 

Browse Trade Courses   Contact Access Training

Learn your trade. Get qualified. Make it happen.

Check out our blog How to Retrain for a New Career in Trade for more information!

Are you being left behind by government initiatives aimed at those aged 16 to 24?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government have set out to provide paid job opportunities for unemployed people aged 16 to 24. This is, of course a much-needed show of support for young people who may be struggling to find work right now. But where does this leave everyone else?

What options are available for unemployed 25-year-olds and others who are too old to benefit from these government initiatives?

It's never too late to learn a trade!

It is widely accepted that careers in the construction, electrical, and plumbing and heating trades are some of the most stable positions available in the current UK climate; these career paths also provide job satisfaction with the option to be your own boss.

Construction training providers across the UK are now seeing increased demand for training and an increase in demand for tradespeople. Trade courses are seen as a viable solution for those struggling or wanting to change career.

Electrician

Electricians are the highest earners of all trades and play a crucial role in modern everyday life. Key areas of the job include

• Planning, writing and understanding diagrams and floor plans
• Repairing damaged wiring and equipment
• Using a range of power and hand tools
• Planning and installing electrical wiring and fixtures based on job specs and local codes

Plumber

Plumbing is a challenging but rewarding career. The role pays well, too. As an apprentice plumber, you should expect to earn anywhere from £15,000 which will quickly increase to a salary of up to £40,000 with experience.

No two days in the life of a plumber are the same but some common plumbing jobs include:

• Stopping leaks and drips
• Unclogging drains
• Improving water pressure
• Installing new pipework
• Fitting bathrooms

Construction worker

Construction is an extremely rewarding trade. There's also plenty of scope for progression! You could become a supervisor, project manager, or even a construction manager. 

The average construction worker can earn £47,00 a year in the UK which is higher than the average UK salary!

As a construction worker, an average day could include tasks such as:

• Physical labour - lifting heavy materials, operating machinery, etc.
• Site preparation - clearing debris, setting up temporary structures, etc.
• Safety and quality control - following safety protocols and regulations

Call Access Training on 0800 345 7492 or contact us online to learn more about our wide range of trade training programmes for people of all ages.

Electrician Courses   Plumbing Courses   Construction Courses