In a couple of weeks, the furlough scheme is coming to an end and economists are predicting that what began as a safety net for millions of people, will still result in mass redundancies. But there are reports that construction businesses are expanding due to demand which is great news for those changing careers and getting a trade. 

Rewind back to the beginning of lockdown, a time when furlough seemed, to millions of people, like a blessed relief. It kept thousands of people afloat, supported businesses through a tough time, and made sure that the brutality of the pandemic wasn’t made worse by a crushing economic crash. 

But now, six months on, the end of the furlough scheme is rapidly approaching. Predictions are coming through surrounding the impact of the next six months. And it isn’t looking good. 

It's clear that the situation we’re in as a country is going to be very problematic for many. So we have compiled 5 important points about the current predicament, highlighted so that you have the information you need to make a decision about your future:

• 1.8 million people are predicted to lose their jobs when furlough ends. Estimates now predict a massive surge in unemployment that could reach 12%.

• 20% of people who received furlough are facing unemployment. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, 8.9 million people benefited from the furlough scheme. 

• The Office for National Statistics reports that between 7-20th of September, only 11% of workers were signed up to the furlough scheme. This is down from 36% in April.

• The Bank of England reported that it is likely that businesses have been exiting the furlough scheme quicker than we think. They suggest that only 7% of workers are still receiving furlough in September. 

• The Times reports that, due to ‘weaker demand and uncertainty about the outlook’ ahead, businesses are ‘slashing jobs and investment’. Many workers will not be able to protect themselves from the economic downturn. 

However, there is a shining light coming from the construction and trades sector

Powered Now has reported the fastest rise in construction output since 2015. This great news was based on information coming from the UK Construction PMI (Purchasing Managers Index).

The report also noted that UK construction companies had rapidly expanded their business activities during the summer as new business had increased in spite of the wider economic issues. Powered Now also made comment on Yahoo Finance regarding the welcomed upturn:

‘....the building sector is back! This is great news. It means that this important sector is doing its part in the recovery from Covid-19. The whole industry is still in catch up mode and projects delayed by the lockdown are taking priority. This has helped to spike demand and we expect it to continue…’

So the trades may well be the place to be for a new stable career! Maybe it's time to consider a new direction: Invest in yourself, invest in a new career, and invest in a trade.

Learn your trade. Get qualified. Make it happen.

The UK's economic recovery has 'Build, Build, Build' as its new mantra - so the future looks bright for skilled tradespeople in the construction industry.

"We will build, build, build. Build back better, build back greener, build back faster, and do that at the pace that this moment requires," said Boris Johnson as he focused on trade skills to get the country back up and running.

This is a positive message for anyone considering a long-term career in the trades. The Prime Minister has promised a massive building programme to put jobs and infrastructure at the centre of his economic growth strategy.

New skilled trade job opportunities were promised, and the Prime Minister also highlighted the need to prioritise education. He said he wanted to end the current injustice, which he called "such a waste of human talent", and announced that his new plan would create "thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs", acknowledging that many jobs lost since January would not come back.

That's where Access Training Academies can help you. We can give you the trade skills you'll need to be part of this new initiative.

The government's £5 billion investment program is based around infrastructure projects that are designed to stimulate the UK economy and get people working in skilled trade jobs. This new initiative will only serve to encourage ​those considering a career change to become part of one of the only sectors that's likely to move forward quickly as the country comes out of lockdown.

The new construction-focused spending package includes:

• £1.5 billion this year in hospital spending
• Over £1 billion for a school rebuilding programme
• £560 million for repairs and upgrades to schools and further education colleges
• Millions of pounds to upgrade courts and prisons
• £900 million for local projects
• £96 million for town centres and funding to accelerate infrastructure projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

All of these projects will require electricians, plumbers, gas engineers and carpenters. So now is a fantastic time to learn a trade and join the construction industry - especially if the coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted your current line of work.

Boris Johnson's announcement was based on funding that offers many people great new opportunities. "That is how it is meant to sound and to be, because that is what the times demand," he added.

The future for skilled tradespeople has never been brighter. Call Access Training on 0800 345 7492 to discuss your new career options.

Contact Access Training   Browse Trade Courses

Photo from Pexels

It can be difficult deciding which path to take in life. You’ve made the bold decision to retrain, but how do you decide where to go from there. This guide will give you an idea of what you can expect from a career as a gas engineer.

Currently the UK is experiencing a shortage of ‘Gas Safe’ installers, which means if you do plan on taking the plunge, now is a particularly good time to do so. Skilled workers are in demand by both domestic and commercial customers, so at least you know the work is out there. By choosing the right trades training course you will ensure you are in a strong position to land the jobs in your area.

Here’s what you can expect from a career as a gas engineer:

A competitive salary

As with any career, your earning potential can vary according to your experience, level of skill and location. However, to give you an idea, a newly trained gas engineer working for a regular contractor could earn in the region of £30,000, whilst an experienced and talented gas engineer with a diverse range of skills would be closer to £50,000. Of course many people retrain with the aim of becoming their own boss. If this is the route you choose then your earning potential is uncapped.

A job with prospects

Think career rather than job. You can earn a comfortable living and forge a rewarding career as a gas engineer as long as you have the necessary trades training skills. The profession is also secure which in our day and age is all too rare. Whether you are self employed or working for an employer, the skills of a ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineer will always be in demand.

Plenty of challenges

No two days are ever the same when working as a gas engineer. It can be a challenging job, both mentally and physically, but it is this that keeps things interesting. The mix of commercial and residential work means that one day you may find yourself installing a domestic boiler and the next you could be working on an industrial heating system as part of a team.

If you think a career as a gas engineer could be your perfect next step, you need to ensure that the trades training you receive is the very best available. Contact Access Training today on 0800 345 7492; with state of the art training facilities and exceptional pass rates, we can guarantee the highest standard of trades training.

Recent research has found that well over half of over 35 years olds do not possess the necessary levels of trades training to be able to carry out even the most basic DIY tasks. Persimmon Homes are seizing upon this research and advising people to think twice about buying new houses instead of older ones which may require work. Sales Director, John Gibbs, commented: “More than half of young adults aged less than 35 lack the basic DIY skills required to maintain their home. Although there are many homeowners who do enjoy carrying out DIY tasks and have the necessary skills to be able to do so safely and successfully, there is a significant number who do not”.

The research has also highlighted that homeowners have suffered financially after attempted DIY projects have failed. Mistakes have had to be rectified, costing nearly three times more than if the job had been completed correctly in the first instance. The average cost of putting right a failed DIY job which has been completed by an individual under the age of 35 is £2,498. This compares unfavourably to the £838 which is required to fix an ineffective job attempted by those over the age of 45.

If you want to save some money and complete DIY tasks safely and effectively, ensuring a top quality job at the first time of asking, you should certainly consider attending one of the DIY training courses we run here at Access. Our comprehensive trades training will give you the confidence to carry out DIY tasks in and around your home.