If the office 9-to-5 life isn't for you, you're probably looking for a career that offers you diversity and a chance to get out and try your hand at new tasks. For this reason, you may have decided that you would be well suited to a job in the trade industry. However, with so many to choose from you may be having a difficult time pinpointing which to specialise in. You may be set on going into the trade industry but be asking yourself, what trade should I learn?

In general, trade jobs are appealing; they can result in good salaries and a chance to be your own boss, learn useful manual skills and a whole other range of opportunities. Of course, every job has pros and cons and your personal preferences will determine what trade you are best suited to learning. To help you make that decision, we've come up with a few key things you should consider before diving into a trade.

Whichever trade you decide to learn you will be able to find a course that suits you at Access Training, take a look:

Click here to browse all of our trade courses

Are you more interested in building something, or fixing something?

Manual work is great because it teaches you skills that you can use in your life as well as that of your client's. But some things may interest you more than others, perhaps you're a problem solver, who upon seeing a task is set on working it out and fixing the problem. On the other hand, you may not want to fix problems; you may be interested in creating things from scratch.

Building something: If you want the chance to create something then carpentry is a good move for you. From small projects to buildings, you'll be constantly creating with your ability to turn materials into something else entirely.

Fixing something: Plumbers and electricians are often called out when something goes wrong with someone's plumbing or electrical systems. It'll be your job to find out what is wrong and fix it.

Do you prefer working on one project for a while or a new one each day?

If you like the stability of working in one place for an amount of time then you may be more interested in a job in carpentry and other jobs that are needed in construction work. If you are working on a building site these projects can last a varied amount of time and you are likely to see your creation grow over time.

In comparison, electricians, plumbers and gas engineers often work on multiple jobs over the course of a single day. Moving from project to project offers you the opportunity to solve new problems in a short amount of time. Although you may be asked to work on bigger projects like wiring a house or constructing the plumbing system for a building.

Would you rather spend time working indoors or outdoors?

This will depend on what kind of job you are carrying out, as most of the trades will have jobs that are outside or indoors, so hopefully, you don't mind either! Of course, there are some trades where you are more likely to work inside more than others, such as a kitchen fitter. However, locations for electricians, plumbers and gas engineers will depend if you're involved with domestic work or industrial work - but again, this will depend on the job!

If you prefer working outside then you may enjoy construction work. Construction workers are often working outside building houses or other buildings.

Browse Our Construction Courses >

Do you get claustrophobic working in tight places?

Some trade jobs will require working in tight spaces more than others. Electricians for instance often will have to crawl into tight areas such as ceiling spaces to access wires and other electrical systems. Plumbers are also sometimes required to work in confined spaces to access pipes and drains and other tighter work areas.

If you know this isn't for you, then you are less likely to come across this when working in carpentry, plastering and kitchen fitting as you are often in larger areas. These trade jobs give you more opportunities to stretch your legs in general. However, you may then need to consider how you feel about working at heights and other factors. Our advisors are more than happy to discuss this with you further so contact us today.

Are you colour blind?

If you are colour blind, one trade you may want to rule out is a career as an electrician. If you have trouble distinguishing colour then working with colour-coded wires will be a problem, and this could be dangerous. Wiring mistakes can damage what you're working on or even lead to electrocution.

Luckily, this is less of a problem with the other trades, so you should still be able to find one that you'll love learning!

Here are links to some of the courses we offer:

• Electrical Courses
• Plumbing Courses
• Gas Courses
• Plastering Courses
• Carpentry Courses
• Kitchen Fitting Courses
• Construction Site Courses

DISCLAIMER: Of course, we've listed some things you may want to consider when choosing a trade to learn, but your daily works will depend on the type of job you end up doing - e.g. whether you are working on domestic or industrial projects. Once you begin learning your trade, you will learn more about how you can specialise and what these roles will involve.

If you are still unsure about what the benefits of learning a trade are, you may be interested in our two helpful infographics:

• Should I learn a trade?
• Should I learn plastering or carpentry?

If you are still unsure which trade you are most suited for, get in touch with one of our expert course advisors. We pride ourselves on being able to help people find the career they love, so feel free to get in touch!

Contact Us >

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now offering live online training sessions that allow you to start learning your trade from home. Join our virtual tutorials, interact with your instructor, and ask questions just as you would in a classroom setting; then, when you attend our training centre in person, you will be ready to focus on developing your practical skills. Click here to learn more about our online training packages.

How many women does it take to change a lightbulb?

One.

How many women does it take to install a state-of-the-art boiler system?

Still one, providing she’s had the appropriate training and gained the relevant qualifications.

Obviously.

The UK is currently undergoing a huge skills shortage, with too many jobs and too few workers (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.) who are actually qualified to do them. This is putting a massive amount of pressure on the entire country; it’s something we hear about on the news, and it’s something we face when a pipe bursts and we actually have to find a plumber who can squeeze us into their busy schedule.

Britain is crying out for more people to learn these valuable skills. So why not women?

These industries have always been particularly male-dominated; when the words 'builder' and 'woman' are uttered in the same sentence, many people picture catcalls and wolf-whistles rather than a female bricklayer at work.

But why should this be case? Trade skills can lead to lucrative careers, and any determined, hardworking and intelligent person is more than capable of training up in one of these skills, regardless of their gender.

Lately, there has been an increase in the number of women entering these industries, hoping to benefit from all the same perks that tradesmen have been enjoying for years (e.g. good pay, rewarding work, choosing your own hours).

Gender equality within the trades won't change overnight - females currently make up just 6% of the workforce in certain trades, so it’s an uphill battle. However, the more women choose this path, the more women prove themselves just as capable as their male co-workers, and the more other women will feel encouraged to learn a trade themselves.

A fully-qualified woman is just as capable as a fully-qualified man, and therefore just as able to take advantage that this skills gap now provides.

Should women learn a trade?

If you enjoy working with your hands or don’t fancy a desk-based office job, then why not consider training up for a trade career and acquiring lifelong skills that will always be in demand? Being a woman should be no barrier, and there are lots of reasons why these industries make for desirable career paths, including:

• Great pay – experienced carpenters, electricians and plumbers can earn annual salaries of £30,000+.
  
  
• High demand – The current demand for people with these skills creates job stability as industries desperately try to fill vacancies.
  
  
• Be your own boss – Tradespeople often have the opportunity to become self-employed. This means you can pick your own jobs, hours and what you charge your clients.
  
  
• Less student debt – You don’t need a degree to learn a trade skill, and it no longer takes years to qualify. Training courses such as those available from Access Training Academies allow you to learn and get qualified quickly, so you can start earning as soon as possible.

How do I become qualified?

Training up to become a qualified tradesperson is much easier than it used to be. Traditionally, this career path would require years of studying in a college, with additional years working as an apprentice. Now training companies such as Access Training Academies allow you to study your chosen trade and learn the practical skills necessary on an intensive training course.

You can pick from several courses and several training centre locations across the UK to study your trade. We take a range of people all coming from diverse backgrounds - some just entering the world of work, some recently made redundant and looking to retrain, some just looking to carry out some DIY tasks around the home.

That’s why we understand that a training course can’t be a 'one size fits all' solution. We do everything we can to help you find a course that best suits your circumstances. It’s this flexibility that appeals to so many of our students - the ability to learn at your own pace while honouring family and work commitments. You can even start your training online!

Whether you want a complete change of career, some useful new skills, or an opportunity to top up the knowledge you already have, we're sure to have a suitable course for you. Access Training can take you from beginner to qualified worker, giving you all the skills necessary to get hired. If you aren’t ready to give up your current career, you can complete the course part-time and work while you learn.

Regardless of your age, sex, race or skill level, everyone on our courses is greeted with a warm welcome.

Call Access Training on 0800 345 7492 to discuss your goals with one of our friendly course advisors.

Browse Our Trade Courses >

If you've grown tired of your unfulfilling job, you may be considering a change of career. There are many reasons why you may be looking to retrain as an electrician, and Access Training provides a great way to learn this vital trade and get your career started.

Whether you're a complete newcomer or a qualified trade professional who's looking to learn some new skills, you can retrain as an electrician with the help of Access Training Academies. If you're ready to enrol, you can skip straight to our list of electrical courses - but for more information on why you should retrain as an electrician, keep reading.

Why retrain as an electrician?

• Good salary - Electricians are some of the highest earning tradespeople. On average, electricians earn around £32,000 a year. A fantastic salary worth working for.
  
  
• Work anywhere - With the current skills shortage, it is possible to find work as an electrician anywhere in the UK. Whether you want to relocate or just want to travel more.
  
  
• Be your own boss - Qualified electricians can pick the jobs that suit them, this freedom to work for yourself means you can pick your hours and take home all the money you've earned.
  
  
• No degree required - With many jobs there is the assumption that a degree is necessary to do well. However, becoming successful in a trade is possible with a course, apprenticeship and by gaining steady experience.

How long does it take to retrain as an electrician?

Traditionally, training as an electrician took up to three years as it was necessary to spend years studying in college and then take on an apprenticeship in order to qualify. However, there are now ways in which you can become a qualified electrician in a much shorter timeframe.

Our courses are designed to get you qualified as quickly as possible, whilst still ensuring you are fully able and competent at the job. Depending on your levels of experience, determination and the programme you choose to follow, you could be qualified within a few months.

This will vary between students, for instance, some of our students choose to retrain as an electrician part-time whilst they maintain other job and family commitments which may take longer. Ultimately we will help all of our students achieve their ambition, no matter how long they choose to study for. We will work with you to find realistic study goals and stick to them.

ONLINE TRAINING: We now offer live online training sessions - join our virtual classroom, interact with your expert tutor, and learn the basics of electrical work from the comfort of your own home. Of course, a professional electrician needs a lot of hands-on experience, so the practical part of your course will take place at our training centre as usual. Get in touch now to find out more!

Our electrical courses include a number of industry-recognised qualifications - more information here:

• Level 2 Electrical Training
• Level 3 Electrical Training

If you're interested in retraining as an electrician or taking any of our courses we are more than happy to help. We will advise you on what course would best suit your goals and circumstances. To speak to one of our expert advisors, contact us today.

As we get older, it can sometimes feel like our career options are slipping away from us; like once we have picked a direction, it’s impossible to change course. In reality, it’s never too late to retrain and learn some different skills – our adult training courses are designed to help you make the change you want, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an established tradesperson hoping to enhance your skills, our adult training courses can help you to achieve the qualifications your need to achieve your career ambitions.

Some of the adult training courses we offer include:

• Electrician courses
• Gas engineer courses
• Plumbing courses
• Carpentry courses
• Plastering courses

For a full list of all the courses we offer here at Access Training, visit our homepage.

Why Get Qualified With Access Training’s Adult Courses?

We offer a diverse range of training courses to suit every one of our learners, whether you're a beginner or a professional. Our intensive adult training courses are designed to get you qualified in the shortest possible timeframe so that you can begin working as soon as possible. Rather than spending 3 to 4 years training in college and completing an apprenticeship, you can start earning within months.

Our courses are also perfect for adults who have other life commitments such as work or family, as they are flexible enough to be tailored to your availability. This means you can learn at your own pace whilst maintaining other work and home responsibilities. We even offer live online learning, so you can start your training course at home!

If you want to make a change in your career, our advisors are more than happy to help you find a course that suits your goals. We will work with you to get you to where you need to be - contact us today for advice!

Browse our training courses >

Learn your trade. Get qualified. Make it happen.

Last updated 5th July 2022

If you want to have a career as a gas engineer, you'll first need to earn the qualifications that certify your ability to work safely and legally. One of these qualifications is the CCN1 gas qualification.

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Gas engineers are among the most in-demand tradespeople of all, and if you're willing to put in the work necessary to get certified and join the Gas Safe Register, you'll be able to do all sorts of jobs that less-qualified workers are unable to tackle.

With that in mind, it's easy to see why gas courses are such a popular choice amongst people who are looking to change careers. But is a gas course the right choice for you? And are gas training programmes really worth the price tag?

Benefits of training to be a gas engineer

1. Take advantage of the skills shortage. The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and our forthcoming departure from the European Union is expected to exacerbate the situation still further. However, this is actually very good news for you if you're considering quitting your current job and learning a trade instead - as a newly-qualified gas engineer, you should have no shortage of lucrative jobs to take on.
   
   
2. Work on a wide range of appliances. Gas engineers don't just fix boilers. Once you're on the Gas Safe Register, you'll potentially be called upon to fix everything from ovens to hobs to fireplaces. If you're also qualified as a plumber (gas and plumbing qualifications often go hand-in-hand), you can also add sinks, showers, toilets and bathtubs to that list. This should mean that your days are both busy and enjoyably varied.
   
   
3. Make lots of money! According to totaljobs.com, the average salary for a gas engineer in the UK is in excess of £32,000. That's a very appealing pay packet indeed, especially when the work itself is so rewarding and enjoyable.

How much does it cost to become a gas engineer? 

Gas engineers can enjoy lucrative salaries, but of course, it does cost money to train as a gas engineer. However, we think you’ll agree, the pros above are well worth that initial expense!

The cost of training to become a gas engineer can vary greatly depending on a range of factors, including the course you study, the qualifications you’re hoping to achieve, and how long you study for. Here at Access Training we offer flexible training options to suit your unique requirements, including fast track, training finance plans, and ‘earn as you learn’ gas engineer training courses.

Gas courses from Access Training

If you're ready to begin your new career path, you'll be pleased to learn that we offer a comprehensive range of gas engineer training courses here at Access Training Academies. Our training packages are affordable and great value for money; furthermore, we offer flexible payment plans and finance options across all of our courses.

2020 UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now offering live online training sessions. This means that you can begin your gas training at home - join our virtual classroom, put your questions to our expert tutors, and learn the key theory that all gas engineers must know. The practical component of your gas course will take place at our fully-equipped training centre, where you'll be able to put your knowledge into practice and get plenty of hands-on experience.

Click the links below to find out more about each training course:

• Essential Gas Course
• Professional Gas Course
• Premier Gas Course

No matter what trade you'd like to learn, please contact Access Training today to find out how we can help you to achieve your career ambitions!