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Perhaps the one topic which has dominated recent discussions in the media is the oncoming energy crisis. It has been the subject of much debate and whilst no solution has yet to be presented one thing is certain: the UK faces a challenging winter ahead, and our energy bills are going to rise to unprecedented levels. This being said, there are still plenty of ways you can reduce the cost of your energy bills and minimise your energy output. 

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Perhaps the one topic which has dominated recent discussions in the media is the oncoming energy crisis. It has been the subject of much debate and whilst no solution has yet to be presented one thing is certain: the UK faces a challenging winter ahead, and our energy bills are going to rise to unprecedented levels. This being said, there are still plenty of ways you can reduce the cost of your energy bills and minimise your energy output. 

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Is uni worth it?

SHORT ANSWER: University can be worthwhile if you have a career in mind that requires a specific degree, but if that's not the case, you may want to consider alternative paths that will improve your employment prospects without all that student debt.

Many young people today think of uni not as an option, but as mandatory—the default next step after leaving school at 18. With more and more people applying for fewer and fewer vacancies, you might think that a university degree is essential if you want to compete in the modern job market.

But is the experience of university worth the enormous tuition fees and oppressive debts that come with it? Is university really the surest route to a successful career?

The answer is: no it isn't, at least not for everybody. Many other equally viable options are often overlooked by parents, teachers and students alike.

 

What does university cost?

In 2012, university tuition fees in England almost tripled, going from £3,375 per year to £9,000 per year. At the time, students were promised better value for money, a higher quality of university teaching, and far better future prospects—and had those promises come true, then perhaps this could be seen as a fair deal. But with the number of students increasing each year, the value of a degree has if anything fallen since 2012.

And that's not the only problem. A recent report on student debt by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) revealed that graduate students are currently facing a lifetime of debt, averaging around £57,000. On top of tuition fees, which are continually increasing, this extortionate lifetime bill is made even heftier when maintenance fees and general living costs are taken into account.

So unless a university education is undoubtedly, unquestionably what you want to pursue—for example, because your dream career demands a specific degree qualification—why saddle yourself with such a huge amount of student debt?

 

Is uni worth it?

Many students who started university courses after fees were increased have now completed their degrees, but a lot of them are not doing too well. According to the National Union of Students, nearly half of all students who attended university as undergraduates in 2012 were back to living with their parents five years later.

And the struggle to find employment is only going to become more difficult—that's according to Sharon Walpole, the Chief Executive of Not Going To Uni (an organisation devoted to spreading awareness of options other than university to help young people secure a strong future). Walpole warns that graduate intakes for large employers will be reduced when an apprenticeship levy is passed in 2017. This levy will include an investment of £2.5 billion into funding apprenticeship training, resulting in an influx of apprenticeship placements and less room for graduates.

With more and more graduates achieving university degrees, things are only likely to become worse, with more competition, fewer opportunities, and less room for work. Read this Guardian article to find out how newly-graduated students are finding life after university, and how successful they have been in finding work.

 

Alternatives to university

Leaving university owing £40,000+ is no way to enter the world of work. A debt of that scale can be a huge financial and mental burden, not only for the students themselves but for the families who then have to support them. With far less priority now being made for graduate employees, finding work is becoming extremely difficult.

If you are thinking of attending university but aren't 100% certain about this choice, we implore you to consider all the available options. If academia is not your forte—if you are better with physical, hands-on work—then you may wish to learn a trade instead of going to uni.

Access Training is the best establishment in the UK for aspiring tradespeople who want to learn the skills and earn the qualifications that will enable them to succeed. Please get in touch today and enquire about the courses we have on offer. Our course advisors will be happy to give you all the information you require.

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PAGE UPDATED 13 AUGUST 2024

How to become a property developer
 
If you’re wondering how to become a property developer, then you’ve come to the right place. You need more than the ability to find a cheap property, do it out and sell it on. Property development requires a lot of planning. Here you can learn how to become a property developer.
 

6 Tips on How to Become a Property Developer

First things first, to become a property developer, you need to decide whether your plan is to buy-to-let or buy-to-sell. There are advantages to both; it just depends on what you personally want to get out of property development. 
 
If for example, your goal is to quickly increase your capital then buy-to-sell is the route for you. This short-term strategy will enable you to make a faster return on your investment. In fact, the sooner you renovate a property for a quick sale, the more profit you’ll make.
 
On the other hand, if your plan is to provide an income which can one day replace your current salary, then buy-to-let is for you. This long-term strategy allows you to build up a portfolio of rental properties, so you can achieve capital growth with the rental income from tenants. As long you have a deposit of at least 25%, you should have no problem getting a buy-to-let mortgage.
  • Consider ROI and the Rental Yield  

Whether you’re planning on undertaking a buy-to-let strategy or a buy-to-sell one, rental yield is crucial. Why? Well, even if you’re planning on selling up, you could be sitting on a property that just won’t sell. 
 
If you’re wondering what rental yield is, it’s the return that a property investor is estimated to achieve through rent on a property. To calculate rental yield, you measure the annual rental income against the property’s value. A good gross yield is considered to be 10% and, of course, this can increase if there are multiple occupants such as students. 
 
When selling properties, a 30% ROI is what you should aim for to effectively generate profits.
 
Property development
  • Location, Location, Location 

The location of where you purchase your properties is the key to becoming a property developer. However, don’t make the mistake of buying in a location that’s already doing well. Instead, find a location that’s on the rise and make a healthy profit by buying early.  
  • Don’t Pay More Than You Need to  

While this may sound like common sense, you may be tempted to pay over the odds for a property in hope of selling it on for more money. However, in property development, you make more money when you buy a property than when you sell, so negotiating on the price of a property is essential. 
  • Consider Timing 

Don’t rush into buying a property. Even if you feel pressured to, it’s important that you get to know the market and the area before buying. 
 
Once you’ve found a property in the right location, that’s when you need to start acting fast. The quicker you can turn a property around, the sooner you can make a return on your investment.
  • Bear Your Buyer or Renter in Mind 

It might be tempting to create your dream property when you’re doing up houses, but it’s important not to get carried away. Always consider your target buyer or renter to ensure that you appeal to them and stay within your budget.
  • Ensure You Have Property Development Finance in Place 

As a property developer, you’ll need to be in a stable financial position. If you’re not, then it’s worth talking to property finance experts who will be able to advise you on that all-necessary finance you’ll need.
 
Now you know the all-important things to consider in order to become a property developer, why not help yourself achieve your goals by enrolling onto one of our property development courses? You’ll learn a range of skills, as well as everything you need to know to start a career as a property developer. 
 
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Become a qualified tiler

If you’re wondering how to become a qualified tiler, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from the qualifications you’ll need to the skills you’ll require. Find out what you need to do to start on a new career path as a qualified tiler. Here's our advice for those wondering how to become a tiler:

 

What Qualifications Will I Need?

Typically, to become a tiler you’ll need a qualification in wall and floor tiling along with experience in the tiling trade. There are various courses that will enable you to start a new career as a tiler; the right one for you depends on what type of qualification you wish to gain. Here at Access Training, we offer an Essential Tiling Course, Professional Tiling Course and DIY Tiling Course.

If you’re completely new to the industry, our Essential Tiling Course is ideal. Whereas our DIY Tiling Course is geared towards a DIY enthusiast, who wishes to carry out small tiling jobs around the home.

Our Professional Tiling Course will kick-start that career in tiling you’ve always wanted, even if you sign onto the course as a beginner.

 

What Skills Are Required?

There are a number of skills that will help you to become a qualified tiler. These include:

  • Mathematical
  • Customer service
  • Practical
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisational
  • Creative

However, if you don’t possess these skills then this shouldn’t stop you from a career in tiling. You’ll develop these essential skills, in addition to others, while undertaking a tiling course. For example, you’ll learn how to calculate quantities of tiles and grout needed for a job, as well as how to cut around intricate shapes.

After completing a tiling course, you’ll not only obtain an accredited qualification, you’ll possess an enhanced skill set too.

 

How Much Do Tilers Earn?

Naturally, you’re going to want to know roughly how much you’ll earn as a qualified tiler. Like with most jobs, this can vary significantly. However, as a newly qualified tiler you can expect to earn anything between £17,000 and £20,000.

As an experienced tiler, you could earn up to £30,000 or better yet, up to £38,000 if you’re extremely skilled in the tiling industry. If you wish to progress further, why not combine your tiling career with plastering or painting and decorating? You’ll be able to expand your expertise as a tradesperson as well as progress financially.

 

Choose Access Training

Now you know how to become a qualified tiler, why not enrol onto a tiling course with Access Training today? You’ll be on track to achieving the career you’ve always dreamed of.

Browse Trade Courses >

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How Can Intensive Training be as Effective as an Apprenticeship

The Effects of Brexit on the Construction Industry

What does a labourer do?

If you feel stuck in a dead-end job or simply aren’t enjoying your career anymore, then you’re likely to be weighing up your career options right now. Family members may encourage you to be a labourer if you’re a practical person, but do you often wonder ‘what is a labourer?’ and ‘what does a labourer do?’. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Find out if a career as a labourer is for you.

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Brexit and trade
 
When Britain voted to leave the European Union last year the pound fell to its lowest since 1985, showing that the effects of Brexit were already doing damage to the economy. It’s now slowly beginning to rise again, however, some areas (such as the trade sector) are still feeling the effects. More...

So, you’re nearing the end of your trade training at one of our centres and you’ve just found out you’ve been successful at a recent interview for what appears to be your dream job. But before you sign your name on the dotted line, make sure to make these final checks: More...

Plumbing problems

Whether you dream of becoming a professional plumber or would simply like to improve your skills so you become handier around the home, a great place to start is understanding the most common plumbing problems and how to fix them.

From dripping taps to leaking pipes, here are just a few of the most common water woes you may come across:

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We’re career change experts and we’ve trained thousands of people who have decided to take a new direction and train towards a trade job. However, if you’re considering shaking things up, stop and think – is it really your career you need to change? And if so, how are you going to go about it?

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