It's Mental Health Awareness Week: Finding Fulfilment and Freedom in a Trade Career

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, a time to recognise the importance of mental wellbeing and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Naturally, your career can significantly impact your mental health.

Feeling unfulfilled or stuck in a job that doesn't suit you can be a significant drain on your mental well-being. Finding a career that offers satisfaction, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment can be incredibly rewarding.

This is where Access Training comes in. We help people find fulfilling careers in the trades, and the positive impact this can have on mental health is clear from the stories of our students.

Finding Freedom and Flexibility

Take Dimitri, for example. After feeling unfulfilled as a PE teacher, he decided to make a career change and completed his gas qualifications with us. Dimitri says it best himself: "I can honestly say taking the leap into the gas industry has changed my life massively. I now have more freedom than ever before and I can pick and choose when I work." This kind of autonomy, as Dimitri highlights, can be a major factor in reducing stress and increasing overall well-being.

Supportive Environment for Achievement

Maycon's story highlights another benefit of a trade career – the opportunity to work outdoors and meet new people. He previously worked in aerospace engineering but desired a more hands-on and social work environment. In his own words, Maycon shared: "I was looking for a way into the gas industry. I moved because I didn't want to be stuck inside a factory, I prefer to be out and about meeting people." Access Training provided the support and encouragement he needed to succeed, even when he faced challenges. Maycon credits staff like Kennedy for helping him overcome obstacles: "When I said to myself that I was going to give up because it didn't seem to be working out, Kennedy encouraged me to finish the course and keep trying."

Overcoming Challenges with Support

Jess' experience showcases the exceptional support network we offer at Access Training. When faced with personal difficulties, the team, including Rob, provided her with invaluable help: "When I signed up for my course, my father became seriously ill with life threatening Sepsis. Rob offered me extra support and has remained very supportive ever since. He sent me extra webinars and guided me on what I should focus on." This dedication to student success is a cornerstone of our philosophy, and it's something our students consistently value. Jess emphasises the importance of this support: "Whenever anyone asks me about my course, I always tell them about how beneficial and versatile Access Training is."

Building Confidence and Self-Belief

Babatunde highlights the incredible support he received from our staff:  "There was never a time I raised a query that was not addressed and sorted out as quickly and as practically as they could. Andy is so naturally helpful and such a nice guy that boosts your morale and mentors effectively and friendly. Above all, there is Joe... From the first day he sold me the course this man has been unbelievably helpful and practical." This supportive environment, as Babatunde describes, not only helps students navigate the challenges of training but also fosters a sense of confidence and self-belief that empowers them in their chosen careers.

Making a Positive Change, Midlife or Anytime

Stuart's story demonstrates that a career change is possible at any stage of life. He decided to pursue a trade career at 35 and found the support he needed at Access Training. Stuart says: "At the time of starting my course, I was 35 years old and had a baby on the way ...you could say it was almost like a mid-life crisis! I realised that I wanted to mark 40 years old as being in a good, secure and stable place in my job and life, so I made the decision to make a career change to the trades." Our open days, career guidance, and dedicated course advisors like Paul ensure a smooth transition and equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed. Stuart is confident in the support offered: "I was blown away by the support I was offered from Access, including the Open Days and career guidance... No job was too much for [my course advisor] Paul! He was so knowledgeable and assisted me with any queries..."

Finding Fulfilment in a Trade Career

The message from these stories is clear: a career in the trades can offer the freedom, flexibility, purpose, and sense of achievement that can significantly improve your mental well-being.  If you're feeling stuck in a job that doesn't bring you fulfilment, don't wait any longer. Consider a career change with Access Training and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.