If you already have a university degree, you might feel like the career path you’ve chosen is set in stone. But if your degree subject no longer excites you or you’re seeking greater job security and more hands-on work, you may be wondering: Is it too late to learn a trade?

The short answer is: absolutely not. You can definitely learn a trade at any age, even if you already have a degree. In fact, many people with academic backgrounds are turning to the trades to find stable and rewarding careers.

Why More University Graduates Are Turning to the Trades

In recent years, an increasing number of university graduates are stepping into skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work and HVAC – but why?

Less Debt

Most trade courses are shorter and more affordable than 3-year university degrees. Plus, you can earn while you learn without the worry of extra student loan debt! A shorter, more focused trade education also leads to a quicker return on investment compared to the duration of a degree programme. Don’t forget – skilled trades can offer competitive salaries, with experienced plumbers earning upwards of £45,000 per year.

Job Security

Skilled tradespeople are always in high demand, so by learning a trade you should always have access to steady employment. In addition to this, trades like electrical work, plumbing and gas are less susceptible to automation by AI, so currently offer far greater job security than many traditional office-based roles.

Desire for Practical Skills

Many graduates find the practical, hands-on nature of the trades more appealing than a 9-5 desk job. Trade work allows individuals can see the direct impact of their efforts, providing a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. So, if you’re someone who enjoys physical activity and is looking to make a difference in your community, trade work could be perfect for you!

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Many tradespeople start their own businesses after qualifying, giving them flexibility and entrepreneurial independence. By becoming a self-employed tradesperson, you can choose what types of jobs you take on, adjust your work hours to accommodate your personal commitments and choose how you want to run your business.

Will My Degree Be Wasted?

After you have put time, money and effort into earning a degree, it’s understandable that a full career switch to the trades may seem like a waste. However, your degree may actually be a huge asset for you in the world of trade work!

For example, a business degree will give you a head start when it comes to running your own plumbing or electrical company, and a social sciences, English or psychology degree will make you an excellent communicator with clients and your team.

If you have a background in engineering you could even be uniquely qualified for more technical trades like machining and industrial maintenance!

So, if you’re feeling stuck in your chosen career path and crave something more hands-on and in-demand, learning a trade could be perfect for you.

Your university degree will not be wasted, instead it can give you can edge, providing you with critical thinking skills and a work ethic that is sure to benefit you in a trade environment.

If you’re interested in what trade courses are on offer, check out our course information by clicking the button below:

Browse Trade Courses

If you have any further questions about starting a career in the trades, get in touch with us at Access Training today!

In a world where pursuing higher education and university degrees is the societal norm, there’s another path that deserves just as much attention – learning a trade. From plumbing to electrical work, learning a trade can be extremely rewarding and often leads to highly successful careers. So, is learning a trade worth it? This blog will help you decide!

More...

Whether you’re looking to train as an electrician or you’re just curious about how electricity works, understanding the basics of electrical theory is the first step. Electrical theory training is crucial as it provides the foundation for understanding and working with electrical systems safely and competently – skills that are essential whether you’re an engineer, electrician or just a DIY enthusiast.

More...

Turning 40 is a big milestone, and with it comes time to reflect on your career, your goals and where your life is heading. If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated and unfulfilled in your current career, it may be time to consider a change!

Becoming a gas engineer at 40 can feel intimidating, you may be thinking you’re too old or inexperienced to make such a big career change, but we are here to tell you you’re definitely not! With Access Training, retraining as a gas engineer at 40 couldn’t be easier, keep reading this blog to find more!

 More...

If you’re considering changing careers to train as an electrician, you may be feeling anxious about whether or not electrical work is a good fit for you and your skills. This blog will explore what makes a good electrician so that you can decide whether being an electrician is the right career for you. Let’s get started!

1. Do you like working with your hands?

It’s rare to find an electrician sitting behind a desk, instead they are moving, building, fixing and problem-solving with their hands. If you’ve always loved hands-on, practical projects like home DIY or building furniture, becoming an electrician could be a natural fit for you.

2. Do you have good attention to detail?

Many of the tasks carried out by electricians require meticulous attention to detail, particularly jobs that require complex wiring or reading blueprints. One small mistake in electrical work can be extremely dangerous, so having a precise attention to detail is a crucial skill.

3. Do you enjoy problem solving?

A key part of being an electrician involves diagnosing and resolving technical electrical issues efficiently. Electricians need to be able to analyse situations and come up with informed, safe and creative solutions. So, if you’re someone who likes to figure out how things work and won’t give up until you find an answer, a career as an electrician could be perfect for you.  

4. Are you comfortable with basic maths?

Electricians are frequently required to work out calculations relating to power, voltage and resistance, so anyone looking to work in this field will need to have an understanding of basic maths. You don’t need to be a complete maths whiz, but a solid understanding of measurements, basic algebra, and technical diagrams will go a long way!

5. Are you physically capable?

Being an electrician can be physically demanding. You may need to climb ladders, carry heavy equipment, crawl through tight spaces and work in basements and attics. However, if you don’t mind getting dirty and you are comfortable moving around and spending time on your feet, you should have no issues working as an electrician.

6. Are you looking for a job with security?

The demand for skilled tradespeople like electricians is on the rise. So if you’re looking for a stable job that will always be in demand and has great opportunities to grow, becoming an electrician could be your best decision yet.

So, would I be a good electrician?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above then yes, you may have what it takes to be a good electrician!

At Access Training, we offer a selection of electrician courses and apprenticeships that can fast-track your journey to becoming an electrician. Use the buttons below to browse our electrical courses or get in touch with us today!

Electrical Courses         Get in Touch

Changing careers at 40 can be a daunting decision, but it’s never too late to explore a different path and transition into a new field. In fact, at 40 years old you probably have the perfect balance of experience and self-awareness that can set the stage for a fulfilling new professional chapter.

At Access Training, we have been helping people make meaningful midlife career changes for over 20 years. In that time, we have delivered over 35,000 trade courses to adult students from all sorts of different backgrounds –  so you can trust us to give the best advice on changing careers later in life.

If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role, this blog will guide you through the stages of a midlife career change so that you can successfully transition into the career of your dreams!

How to Change Careers at 40

1. Assess Your Current Situation

Before diving into a new career, first take some time to evaluate your current situation. What about your current role do you like or dislike? What are some non-negotiables for a new role? What things excite you? What are your best skills? What skills do you want to improve? What would you enjoy doing every day?

Understanding what you’re looking for and why you want a career change will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next role.

2. Consider Your Transferable Skills

One of the best things about a midlife career change is that throughout your lifetime, you will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills. You may have strong communication and leadership skills, or perhaps you’re good at problem solving or working in a team. You can then frame these skills in a way that aligns with your new field.

For example, if you’re good at critical thinking and problem-solving, you may be a good fit for a career in the trades where encountering unexpected issues and challenges that needs fixing is a common part of the job.

3. Research, Research, Research!

Once you have created a list of your top skills, start researching how they can be applied in a new field. This will also help you to identify whether you need to acquire new skills or credentials.

Consider enrolling on courses or workshops to gain additional experience in your new field. At Access Training, we have helped thousands of students get qualified and find work in the trades, so if a trade career sounds appealing to you, browse our trade courses today. Don’t forget: a short-term investment into your learning can pay off in a long-term satisfying career.

4. Prepare for Financial Changes

Changing careers, particularly later in life, can involve a temporary dip in earnings, so you should ensure you are prepared for this period of financial adjustment. Consider how much money you will need to train in your chosen career and how you will supplement your income through other means while you gain experience in your new field.

Having savings put to one side to help support you while retraining can help to reduce the stress associated with a career change and give you more freedom to focus on your goals.

5. Believe in Yourself

A midlife career change can be challenging, and you may experience setbacks and doubts along the way. However, at 40 years old, you have the advantage of maturity and life experience on your side that many younger professionals do not have. Stay resilient and trust that the skills and experience you have built up over the years are valuable.

You may even discover new strengths and interests that you never knew you had. So stay dedicated and believe in your ability to thrive in a new field – it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!

Browse Trade Courses

To learn more about midlife career changes to the trades, check out our blog Career Change at 30.