Thinking of becoming a carpenter? Wondering what qualifications you'll need to turn professional? Read on to find out!

Carpentry is a job that comes with a lot of perks - your skills can be applied in your own home, and you should be able to bring in a very healthy salary. If you've decided that you want to be a carpenter, you've probably got some questions, such as:

• How do you become a carpenter?
• Do you need carpenter qualifications?
• Where can you go to study carpentry?

How do you become a carpenter?

Traditionally, to become a carpenter you would have to become an apprentice for up to 3 years slowly learning the skills to carry out jobs independently. Now it is possible to learn the necessary skills required in a much shorter time frame. Our carpentry courses combine practical and classroom teaching to give you the carpentry qualifications and experience you need to be able to carry our various carpentry jobs.

Whether you want to become a professional carpenter or just learn enough skills to carry out your DIY jobs at home, Access Training can help. We have designed a series of carpentry courses designed to suit a range of needs and outcomes. From courses suitable for complete beginners to professional courses designed around people with prior carpentry knowledge, you will be able to find a course that best helps you become the carpenter you want to be.

Our Essential Course will allow you to learn the foundations of carpentry, where the Professional Course will allow you to get a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry which enables you to move on to the NVQ Level 2 Certification for more experienced carpenters. These allow you to prove your skills to employers and clients alike. To take a look at all the different carpentry courses we offer, simply click the button below:

View Our Carpentry Courses >

If you're still wondering how to become a carpenter or how to start a career in the other trades we are more than happy to advise you. We will help you find a course that suits your needs and will help you start the career you want. Speak to our friendly team and discuss your aims and requirements. Contact us today.

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 with a free space in 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 locations in 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, or even those 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.

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.

It doesn’t matter your age, gender, race or skill level – everyone on our courses is greeted with a warm welcome.

To learn more about the courses that we offer here at Access Training Academies, please click here.

Did you make any New Year's resolutions back at the beginning of January? Lots of people do it, and while resolutions differ greatly from each person, we can probably all agree that deciding to learn a beneficial new skill is a good resolution to make!

If you want to learn a new skill or to make some changes to your household this year, we have a number of home improvement courses that are sure to suit you. These DIY training packages are a great way to learn valuable new skills and take your home improvements back into your own hands.

When something goes wrong around the house - or when you just want to make some simple home improvements - it can be expensive to hire someone to do it for you. Being able to carry out certain tasks by yourself will give you far more freedom over your project, allowing you to save a lot of money in the process.

Although many of our training courses are designed to help students kick-start their careers in a chosen trade industry, we also cater to those who are simply interested in learning some essential DIY skills. Our home improvement courses will help you to be far handier around the house, and they'll also give you the satisfaction of gaining a useful new skill.

Here are some of the home improvement courses we offer:

• DIY Plastering
• DIY Carpentry
• Essential Kitchen Fitting
• Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting

Our courses are incredibly flexible, so you can learn at your own pace and around your work / family commitments. We are more than happy to talk you through each course and find the best way for you to study - please contact us today for advice!

If you're growing tired of an 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 new trade skill and get your career started.

Whether you're a complete beginner to the trade or someone who would like to branch into this industry more, there are ways in which you can retrain as an electrician. To learn more why it's a good career move, check out our electrical courses page. 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 could take 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. 

Our electrical courses include a number of industry-recognised qualifications - for more information, click on the following links:

• 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 choices are becoming narrower and narrower, that once you have picked a particular direction it's impossible to change course. However, it really is never too late for you to retrain in a different skill and our adult training courses are created to help you make the change you want.

Whether you are a complete beginner or someone in a trade industry hoping to enhance your skills, our adult training courses can help you achieve the qualifications necessary for your career. 

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 at Access Training, visit our website. 

Learn quickly and get qualified

We've created a system of courses that suit each of our students, 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 3-4 years training in college and undergoing 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. 

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

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 the most important qualifications in this area is the CCN1 gas core certificate; this certificate is awarded to those who pass the corresponding ACS assessment, which is one of the courses you can take here at Access Training Academies. Click here to find out more.

The CCN1 qualification covers the following:

• Gas safety legislation
• Gas emergency action and procedures
• All necessary safety aspects involved in the installation, maintenance and testing of gas systems
• Identifying unsafe situations

Obtaining the CCN1 certificate is an important step for those who wish to join the Gas Safe Register in order to begin carrying out paid gas work legally. This is because the CCN1 is required for any operative hoping to work on domestic gas installations and appliances.

Prerequisites for the CCN1 gas core certificate

All CCN1 candidates need to hold the CPA1 gas qualification before they can be assessed. In order to pass the CCN1 assessment, you will need to already have a thorough understanding of gas engineering and the associated principles. If you're new to gas engineering, our career change gas courses may be a good fit for you - these training packages are designed to help you become fully-qualified from scratch.

Once you have completed your gas course and passed your initial ACS assessment, we also offer a liquid petroleum gas training course and a periodic ACS re-assessment, so you can be sure that Access Training will always keep you on top of your qualifications even after you gain the CCN1 gas core safety.

If you have any questions about the CCN1 core gas safety certificate or any of the gas courses and assessments we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us today!

It's called the festive season for a reason: full of parties and overindulgence, it's a time to celebrate the end of the year and reflect on the last 12 months. This is why many of us find ourselves going into the new year determined to face new challenges and achieve new goals. Some may aim to get healthier, others to pursue a new hobby, but perhaps the most common new year's resolution of all is to change jobs.

It's normal to feel a bit discontented this time of the year, and New Year is a great opportunity to get yourself out of your career rut. Luckily, these days it's quite easy to change direction - it's entirely possible to become successful in a completely different industry from the one in which you're currently employed. Here at Access Training Academies, we offer a number of courses that are designed to help you change careers quickly - even if you have no prior trade experience!

We have a range of new career paths to choose from, meaning you can study a trade that you'll really enjoy (while also making a healthy salary!). If you're tired of working in an office or doing the exact same work every day, you may well feel more fulfilled working as a tradesperson. Here are just a few of the options we offer:

• Electrician Courses
• Gas Courses
• Plumbing Courses
• Plastering Courses
• Carpentry Courses
• Kitchen Fitting Courses

Whether you're looking for an intensive training course or a programme that you can complete alongside your current work commitments, we will help you find a way to study. We aim to get you qualified as quickly as possible so that you can begin your new career straight away. Choose from our training centres across the UK and find a job that suits you this year.

If you have any questions about any of the courses we offer, we are more than happy to help - simply contact us today!

Image courtesy of pixabay.com 

Leaving your comfort zone behind and training for a new career can a very intimidating prospect, but if you've grown weary of your current role, it may be the best decision you ever make.

Here at Access Training, we specialise in career change courses for people who wish to learn a trade (such as plumbing or plastering) and make a living out of it. Our courses are designed for individuals with absolutely no experience or knowledge of their chosen trade, so even if you've never so much as changed a fuse or unblocked a sink, you can become a fully-qualified electrician or plumber within a surprisingly short period of time.

Here's a quick overview of what to expect when you train for a new career with Access Training Academies:

Industry-recognised qualifications

The key to starting a successful new career in any trade is gaining the qualifications that will mark you out as a qualified member of that particular field. Gas engineers, for instance, must undergo an ACS assessment and join the Gas Safe Register before they can start earning money.

The new career courses we deliver here at Access Training are specifically structured to get you the qualifications you'll need to succeed in your new role. Instead of researching which certificates and accreditations you need to seek out, you can simply pick a course package - like, for instance, our Professional Gas Engineer Course - and begin your training, secure in the knowledge that we've covered all the essentials.

Help from experienced tutors

All of our course leaders are qualified tradespeople with years of commercial experience in their respective fields. This means that they are perfectly placed to provide all the assistance and instruction you could possibly require.

Furthermore, we aim to keep our class sizes as small as possible, so you can rest assured that you'll have plenty of opportunities to talk things out with your tutor as you progress through your chosen training course.

Intensive training programmes

Our career change courses are designed to get you qualified as quickly as possible. Instead of signing up for an apprenticeship and waiting several years to become a fully-fledged tradesperson, you can get trained up in a matter of months and start your exciting new career right away. This is a great choice if you can't afford to take a loss of income as you transition from one career path to another.

Learn from the ground up

As mentioned above, our courses cover everything a professional tradesperson needs to know. Don't worry if you don't know the first thing about electricity - we'll start from the absolute basics and work up from there, ensuring that you get plenty of support as you learn.

Our new career courses comprise a finely-tuned combination of theory and practical work. We'll make sure you know everything you need to know about your new trade, but we'll also ensure that you leave with plenty of hands-on experience so that you're completely confident when you show up for that first paid job.

Ready to train for a new career? To find out more about our career change courses, contact Access Training today or choose from the options listed below.

New Career Training Courses:

• Electrician Courses
• Plumbing Courses
• Gas Engineer Courses
• Plastering Courses

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.

Of course, it does cost money (usually several thousand pounds, also this can vary) to train as a gas engineer, but as we think you'll agree, the pros above are well worth that initial expense.

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.

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!

If the office life isn’t for you because you prefer working with your hands and learning practical skills you should consider learning a trade skill. These skills are in high demand here in the UK due to a countywide skills shortage. Learning a trade skill can be fun and rewarding and you won’t need to spend years in University before starting your career. Here are more reasons why you should start training with Access Training Academies.

Gain these qualifications and learn the practical skills required with Access Training Academies.

Access Training intensive courses are built to suit you, whether you are a beginner wanting to learn a new skill, or a professional wanting to enhance your qualifications, there is a course to suit you.

If you'd like advice about any of the courses we offer we are more than happy to help. Feel free to contact us today.

The UK is currently suffering from a shortage of trade skills. As these trade skills are in such a high demand there has never been a better time to train. Working a manual trade is a rewarding career choice and you don’t have to spend years in University to start. Learn more about why you should qualify in a trade with Access Training from our trade infographic.

You can complete the necessary qualifications and these specialist courses with Access Training.

Choose from Essential, Professional and Premier intensive courses – something to suit everyone whether you are a beginner or just enhancing your skills!

Contact Access Training now to find out more about any of the course packages we offer.

So you're sick of your current job and you want to make a change as soon as possible. You could simply apply for a role elsewhere, of course, but what if it's not your present employer or workplace that you have a problem with? What if you're looking to switch to a different line of work entirely?

If that's the case, you'll often have to retrain and you can have the opportunity to do so by looking into our intensive trade courses. As we explained in our last blog post, What Are the Best Careers to Retrain For?, learning a new skill and becoming a professional tradesperson is a great career change option, but is it the right choice when you're specifically looking to make a QUICK career change? In other words...

Is it possible to become a qualified tradesperson in a short space of time?

The 'traditional' training route for plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople is unfortunately rather time-consuming. An apprenticeship takes several years to complete, meaning that you'll be stuck at the training stage for quite a while before starting your new career proper.

Fortunately, there are faster ways to get qualified. A good intensive / fast-track training course will cover everything you need to know (including all relevant theory knowledge as well as the practical skills you'll be using on the job) in a matter of months rather than years, making this a far better option when time is of the essence.

Of course, successfully completing a fast-track trade course requires a lot of hard work, but your effort will pay off in a number of different ways:

• You'll be able to start your new career sooner
  
  
• You'll be learning your new trade instead of making tea for your boss (as can unfortunately be the case for apprentices)
  
  
• You'll have the opportunity to grow your skill set rapidly by taking on additional training courses if you wish

Intensive training courses from Access Training

If you're looking to get trained up and change careers ASAP, Access Training's fast-track courses are ideal for you. Contact us now to discuss your options, or click one of the following links to find out more:

• Plumbing Courses
• Gas Courses
• Electrician Courses

Photo courtesy of pexels.com