Are you feeling a bit tired of your current job? Have you been doing the same thing for so long that it's become boring and monotonous? Are you looking for a new challenge that will give you a chance to really shine?

If any of the above apply to you, it may be time to start looking for new career ideas. When you first decide that you'd like to change jobs, it can be a bit daunting - after all, there are lots of different career ideas to choose from - and so we're here today to provide you with some inspiration.

If you're thinking about starting a new career in the trade industry, here are five exciting new career ideas for you to consider this year:

Marine Electrician

The perfect role for adventurous electricians! Marine electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical equipment aboard ships and other sea vessels. They may also be tasked with handling emergency repairs on ships in port or out at sea.

Bathroom Fitter

The bathroom is one of the most important parts of any home, so the people who install them are always in demand. Your responsibilities as a bathroom fitter will include making sure that all of the fittings are correct and that the new bathroom looks perfect. You can train to be a bathroom fitter with our Bathroom Fitting Course. 

Electrical Machine Repairer 

Electrical machine repairers play an important part in the repair and maintenance of electrical equipment. This job is incredibly important and can mean the difference between a machine running smoothly and catching fire due to an electrical fault. To help you train for this type of job, why not take a look at our range of Electrical Courses?

Roofing Plumber

If you like the idea of working outside then roofing plumber could be the ideal role for you. Roofing plumbers fabricate and install metal roofing, gutters, and downpipes. A roofer can work for the council or as their own boss.

Oil Rig Electrician 

Though this may seem like a lonely, solitary job, oil rig electricians are paid exceptionally well for their work. This is an exciting job for truly daring souls - any industrial electrician can work on a rig, so if you're not put off by the long hours, this may be a career path for you.

Here at Access Training Academies, we provide a range of trade training packages that can set you on your way towards a new career path. Even if none of these career ideas inspires you, we have lots of different courses that will allow you to pursue a new career idea anywhere in the UK!

View all Courses Here >

Some of you thinking about applying for a course with us at Access Training might consider education to be something of a distant memory and find the thought of examinations an unpleasant ordeal.

The very word exam might bring back traumatic memories of awful school exams, which you’d rather forget about. 

However, Access Training exams bear no resemblance to those terrible tests of the past - they are all multiple choice and involve no writing whatsoever.

If you are dreading the prospect of having to sit exams after not having done so for a number of years though, here is a brief guide explaining the simple techniques that you can use to get yourself back into the swing of things:

Distributed Practice

Studies undertaken by University College London have found that splitting your revision into regular, digestible chunks is far more effective than cramming long hours of learning into one go. That is, by studying for between half an hour to an hour at a time, you retain more information than you would should you read for 3 hours continuously.

Rather than pushing your brain to its maximum capacity, you might find more success by putting some music on, making a cup of tea or taking a walk and then coming back to it later.

Self-Testing

Self-testing has been proven to be an effective way of obtaining information; that is, regularly testing yourself instead of simply reading over your notes repeatedly.

It is of great use to write out questions that you’ve devised based on the notes you’ve made and try answering them using the information in your notes. This way, you are learning and understanding, rather than simply reading and memorising, which is far more beneficial in the long run and makes it far easier to hold on to what you’ve learnt.

Taking Breaks

Your brain needs time to allow the information you are learning to sink in. Without having short, consistent breaks, your memory can become clogged and less information will be allowed in. A short break is well recommended in order to avoid tiring your brain.

Buffet Studying

Contrary to popular belief, it is far more efficient to study a variety of different subjects in one go, rather than to focus on one theme for a long period of time.

Research done by UCL advises learners to think of studying like ‘taking from a buffet, rather than eating a set dinner’. This means that it is far more effective to learn in smaller, more digestible chunks, as opposed to biting off more than you can chew..excuse the pun!

Story Telling

Associating phrases and principles with elaborate stories is an excellent way of sealing the memory. One successful method, as proven by researchers at UCL, is creating a ‘memory palace’, in which you try to link words with objects in a room.

In fact, this technique is so effective, it helped a 16th century Jesuit priest named Matteo Ricci to pass China’s highest civil servant exams, which required him to remember reams and reams of classical poetry. If it worked for him, it might work for you too.

Whichever way you decide to learn, we can say with confidence that nobody who is considering applying for our course ought to worry about the course examinations. Our tutors are very experienced and are well-accustomed to the exam curriculum we offer, so they know exactly what to teach and how to teach it.

If you're thinking about a change of career or looking to start a career with exciting prospects, enquire today about a course at Access Training by clicking below or call us on 0800 345 7492.

Course Enquiry >

Are you looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to be able to improve your outdoor living space with a self-built deck? Access Training can help! With our range of Carpentry Courses, you can gain the essential competencies required to become a professional carpenter and build your very own deck area. Whether it's for your own property or for others, we provide intensive and thorough training courses that enable you to become fully qualified in the carpentry industry and pursue a range of career goals. Click the button below to browse all of the Carpentry Courses that we currently offer here at Access Training.

Browse Carpentry Courses >

Why Learn to Build Your Own Deck?

So, why would you want to build your own deck? Let's take a look at some of the benefits you can experience by gaining the appropriate building skills! 

• Cost - Probably the biggest factor to enrolling onto one of our courses to gain professional building and carpentry skills is the amount of money you can potentially save by completing the work required to build the deck yourself, rather than outsourcing the labour to another builder! The cost involved with gaining professional carpentry qualifications can quickly turn itself into an investment when you realise that you are able to do the most important and skilled elements of the job yourself. 

• Trust - When it comes to working on your property, you want somebody that you can trust to a proper and professional job. The risk of hiring an external builder is that there is no guarantee that this will happen unless you know them of course. By gaining the skills and knowledge, you eliminate the risk of the project never being completed to the standard that you require.

• DIY Skills - By completing one of our carpentry courses, not only will you be competent in building your own deck, but you will gain the skills to complete a number of different jobs around your home such as installing doors and repairing floors! This again can be a huge cost-saving bonus and saves you the stress and hassle of finding a quality and trustworthy carpenter to complete the job.

• A New Career - One of the most rewarding benefits of gaining professional carpentry and building skills with Access Training is the potential that you gain in starting a totally new career! Simply by starting to learn the basic requirements needed to be able to build a deck, you can quickly gain a passion that can change your life. Become your own boss or start a team of other professional builders/carpenters with the help of Access Training today!

What Decking Should You Choose? 

Gaining the necessary skills and qualifications to be able to build your own deck is one thing, finding the right decking that is going to last is another. We now take a look at the options that you have and what is best for saving even more time, money and effort. 

When it comes to decking, there a whole host of choices that you can choose from, each one offering a different kind of benefit. Firstly, you have plastic. Plastic decking has been a hugely popular choice with homeowners in many countries due to its low-maintenance and cheap costs. However, it does come with its drawbacks. Most notably their complete synthetic makeup, which over time can cause them to bow or crack underfoot, meaning you have to then replace the damaged boards! Leading to more costs and time spent installing new boards.

Secondly, you have natural wood decking. This again has been a popular choice for many people when installing a deck in their home due to its natural wood look, but it also has its disadvantages. Over time, wood decking can begin to crack and splinter, as well as building up algae, causing the deck to become extremely slippery in wet conditions. These pose obvious safety hazards to you or anyone that walks on the deck, resulting in it having to be cared for and maintained on a regular basis. This again takes up much more of your time and money as you have to buy the necessary equipment and products.

Finally, there's the option of composite decking. Composite decking combines the natural wood appearance of wood decking with the low-maintenance properties of plastic decking. Eliminating the need for regular upkeep to retain its beautiful look or to keep it safe. Composite deck boards are created using a combination of natural hardwood and synthetic materials, creating a board that is the 'best of both worlds'. 

Just like our carpentry training courses, composite decking can be a real investment when it comes to building your deck. The initial costs involved with installing this premium decking option will soon pay itself back with its numerous benefits, such as never having to be stained, painted or sealed. Never cracking or producing splinters. Never fading or warping in hot and cold conditions and being slip-resistant when exposed to wet weather. All of these things combined with its organic, natural appearance makes composite decking the decking choice for any builders looking to build their own deck. 

Where to Purchase Composite Decking?

Composite decking can be bought from many known outdoor living and garden brands and companies such as Wickes and B&Q. However, we recommend that to achieve the best possible results for your deck and to use your newly learnt abilities fully, you buy composite deck boards from a specialist. One of the leading composite decking suppliers in the UK is DeckPlus - with showrooms in Cardiff, St Albans and Slough, DeckPlus have helped to transform outdoor living spaces all over the country. They offer a variety of deck boards, both capped and uncapped, in a range of colours and styles perfect for any design that you may have in mind.

DeckPlus Composite Decking >

It's important to remember, however, that in order to be able to properly install DeckPlus's composite decking boards, you will require all of the necessary building and carpentry skills. If you would like to be able to build your own deck, save money and time and gain the potential of starting a new career, enrol onto our Professional Carpentry Course today! 

Professional Carpentry Course >

For further information on our range of courses or if you have any general enquiries, then please do not hesitate to contact us today by calling 0800 345 7492 or emailing info@accesstraininguk.co.uk. 

The third Monday in January, which falls on the 21^st of January this year, has been labelled as the most depressing day of the year or Blue Monday.

This year, rather than revelling in sadness and taking a negative attitude towards your life, we challenge you to turn this negativity into motivation and try something new. If Mondays in general (but particularly this one) make you feel down, depressed and unmotivated, then it’s time to make some changes.

At Access Training Academies, our goal is to give you the tools and skills you need to step into a career that is truly satisfying and fulfilling. We offer courses in a range of disciplines, so whether you want to try your hand at carpentry, branch into the world of IT and computing, or train to become a fully-qualified electrician – we can help! We have over 30 different courses for you to choose from, and our friendly and experienced tutors will guide and support you throughout to ensure you get the best possible results.

Never have another blue Monday again! Browse the courses we offer by heading to our site, or give us a call on 0800 345 7492 to talk to one of our advisers about how you can start your journey towards a more rewarding career.

Browse Courses Here >

If you’re thinking about changing to an electrician career path or are already working as an electrician and are looking for to gain further qualifications to move your career forward, Access Training Academies are here to help!

If you are part of the former, you may have already had a think about how to kick-start your career as an electrician and what is the best option for you. We understand that this can get fairly complicated with a variety of roles of pathways available to you, but it doesn’t have to be with our range of fast-track Electrician Courses - perfect to get you onto your desired electrician career path.

The Demand for Electricians

A recently carried out report showed that electricians and other skilled trade experts are among the most difficult professionals to employ through a lack of workforce numbers, above and over sales, management and executives.

Figures issued by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the electrical industry is in anguish as a result of a lack of resources, largely due to an ageing workforce.

As a result of apprenticeships or meaningful training routes not being available over the years, there has been a decreased number of new entrants into the field.

This doesn’t have to be an issue, however, with our courses - we ensure that they are perfectly tailored to an electrician career path. 

Becoming an Electrician

The main role of a typical electrician is to install, test and maintain electrical equipment, wiring, fittings and appliances in a variety of commercial and residential settings.

Traditionally, the way in which an individual would enter the electrical industry would be to first complete an industry-recognised Level 3 qualification such as an NVQ while working or subsequently enrol onto an apprenticeship which combines studies with on-the-job training.

These, however, can take many years to complete. Something you do not have to worry about with Access Training.

Access Training Electrical Courses

As mentioned, whether you are just starting out in your electrician career path, or are looking to increase your number of professional qualifications, Access Training provides a number of high-quality electrician career programmes that guarantee you achieve all necessary qualifications while gaining valuable work experience.

Our New Career Courses focus on providing all of the basic and essential electrician qualifications, regardless of prior experience, whereas our range of Trade Professional Courses are centred around providing experienced electricians with further qualifications and training in order to meet current regulations and further their existing abilities. All of our Electrical Courses can be viewed below.

Start Your Electrician Career Path

If you have any questions or require further information regarding our Electrical Courses, or how to navigate your very own electrician career path, please do not hesitate to contact us today by calling 0800 345 7492 or emailing info@accesstraininguk.co.uk.

Whether you’re thinking about exploring careers in plumbing, or you’re curious as to how plumbing career progression might work, there are a few different routes that someone in the plumbing profession can take.

More...

In an unpredictable Britain, vocational training could be your light at the end of the tunnel. Learning a highly sought-after skill through vocational training is a dependable way to ensure you maintain job stability in an ever-changing market.

As a society, we are so reliant on these basic necessities to get through the day, that the prospect of being without them is frightening! In fact, with a large percentage of UK workers spending 8 hours a day on a computer, when we lose our electricity supply - businesses grind to a halt. 

Who is it that maintains and safeguards the installation of these basic needs? The skilled trade workers among us, that's who. As the world of technology increases so does the demand for those skilled in the trades. This is why we believe vocational training is just as, if not more so, important than a university degree.

What is vocational training?

Vocational training courses are work-related qualifications that take a more hands-on approach to academic qualifications. Training courses are designed to set up learners for practical careers such as plumbing and building.

Types of vocational courses

• Construction
  
  
• Plumbing
  
  
• Electrical
  
  
• Gas
  
  
• Food Preparation
  
  
• Hairdressing

What are the advantages of vocational training?

1. No costly debt from University

Vocational training typically costs a mere fraction of university costs and it also provides more financial stability as trade skills are always in demand.

One of the main benefits of training to become a tradesperson is that you have no major debt looming over you once you finish your course. In fact, as soon as you receive your certificate, you can immediately start earning money from what you've learnt! 

Many people go to university nowadays because they're unsure what they want to do in the future. Sure, this may seem like a good idea at the time, but is it really worth the debt? If you're not dedicated to the path you've chosen, it's not worth spending 3 years learning about something you won't pursue in the future.

As said by entrepreneur, Joseph Valente, who set up his own very successful plumbing business ImpraGas, 'If you're motivated by the business, that's going to drive you every day'. Joseph believes you shouldn't 'waste three years doing something that your hearts not in' and we agree. 

Vocational courses ensure you're on the right path straight away and can easily make your trade your passion. 

Please share this with someone who is debating whether to go to University🎓 pic.twitter.com/wKSBGLS2N1

— Joseph Valente (@MrJosephValente) 23 January 2018

2. Job stability

There will always be a need for plumbers, electricians and builders.

As previously mentioned, it's difficult to imagine how we would live without these basic necessities provided for us. The skills learnt through a trade course will always be vital to a thriving society and will ensure you're in demand at all times.

After learning a skill that is needed in every part of the world, you'll find it even easier to pursue the right career for you. If you want to move abroad for work, go ahead! If you want to switch companies, there are ton's more which are desperate for your skill set. If you want to be your own boss - do it! 

The qualifications and skills gained from vocational courses provide you with the stability and freedom most people aspire to have. 

3. It takes far less time to become qualified

On average, training courses for vocational trades take months rather than years to complete.

This is the ideal way to train for anyone who is looking to switch careers and has a job alongside their training course. 

Of course, many people gain their vocational training through apprenticeships rather than vocational training courses. Apprenticeships are good if you're just coming out of school and can afford the low pay. Perseverance and patience is key to apprenticeships - but if you have commitments, it may not be possible to dedicate yourself to a job that cannot pay your bills. When you reach adulthood, money is a necessity and low pay for a couple years could put your livelihood at risk. 

Many training courses are flexible to fit around you and so you can easily maintain your job whilst training for a new trade profession. 

4. You can start working sooner

Learning a trade means you are skilled in this area as soon as you complete your course.

Another benefit of vocational training is that it provides you with all the experience you need to start working right away. Many graduates coming out of university find that this is not the case with their degree and they still need to gain that all-important experience.

 You can start working for a company, work freelance or even strive to set up your own company.

Anne Milton, the Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships, recently said that apprenticeships and courses are "on-the-job training. What's not to like?". She also believes that "the default should not be University. No matter how bright you are, there are other options out there."

5. Vocational trades are well paid

On average, Plumbers earn around £33,500 per year. Electricians earn around £36,000 and builders earn around £32,500.

Compared to the average starting salary for graduates hovering around £19,000-£22,000, it's fair to say that a vocational training course could work in your favour financially.

These wages can increase substantially in different areas and will progress over time. As with everything, it pays to have patience in an industry. However, if you embark on a vocational training course, rather than a university course, you will start your career in the industry sooner and progress in the salary department quicker. 

If you're interested in pursuing a hands-on career, Access Training Academies are the largest provider of vocational training courses in the UK. Take a look and find the right course for you today.