Why You Should Consider Learning A Trade

Learning a trade as a career option was traditionally a male dominated domain, however times are changing – rapidly! More and more women are choosing to learn a trade and are entering the construction industry by becoming builders, decorators, plumbers and electricians. All trade learning opportunities are open to women and courses that teach a trade are becoming a popular alternative to university entry. Often female tradespeople are sought after by people who feel intimidated by males carrying out work within their home such as an elderly lady living on her own or a single parent. Women also have the reputation of having an excellent eye for detail and focus on giving a superior finish, of course many men do too!

Why are more women entering the trade industry?

Primarily money! Working as a tradesperson is potentially very lucrative and pays much more than retail and other similar sectors. There is currently a skills shortage relating to professional tradespeople so there is plenty of workaround. You can charge more when you have built up an excellent reputation and your trade is in demand. It won’t be long before you have set up your own roofing company, plumbing business or decorating business.

Work satisfaction is another reason for choosing to learn a trade. Being able to complete a task to a high standard or solving a problem gives job satisfaction and also increases confidence.

Lots of jobs in the trade industry allows creativity, for example decorating and interior design. If you are a creative and active person this career pathway could be perfect.

Training options

Once you have decided on the trade you would like to train in, you can start to research training options. If you are a school leaver or don’t mind a drop in salary whilst you retrain, an apprenticeship would be a good option. Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers, they are accessible to adults wishing to change careers too. Apprenticeships are fantastic at helping you develop practical experience as well as learning theory at college. You will receive “on the job” tuition and will probably go to college one or two days per week. You will receive a small salary and you could apply for funding.

Before embarking on an apprenticeship you could do a traineeship course. This will make your skills more attractive to potential employers as a traineeship gives you work experience during a course that can last up to six months. You may receive funding for the course fees, but won’t get paid a salary.

Further education courses are available at colleges, which will teach you a trade within a classroom environment. Research how the course content is organized. It would be a good idea to choose a course that has a strong practical element and maybe a work placement.

After qualifying

Once qualified, you have many options available. It would be best to build up your experience of working within a trade as an employee first, just in case you encounter situations you haven’t been taught.

Once your confidence and experience grows you could consider going self employed. You could even consider taking on apprentices and extra staff yourself, so that your business can expand.

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