Deciding on the Best Trade to Get Into

Reading time: 5 minutes

What is a trade job?

Before we delve into finding the best trade jobs for someone looking to get into the industry, let’s first outline exactly what we mean by this type of career.

A tradesperson is a skilled worker who will specialise in a certain type of trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, building or electrical installations. As well as being involved in new construction projects, they could also be regularly tasked with carrying out repairs and maintenance in their chosen field.

People in the trade will gain and then perfect advanced and specialised skills through a mixture of vocational courses, on-the-job training and experience. Each trade will also see people being equipped with their distinct set of tools and equipment to suit the requirements of their role.

Different kinds of trades and what they involve

Deciding on the best skilled trade to get into involves a mixture of a person’s strengths, interests and overall career goals to be considered.

Look through the skills and expected tasks involved in these popular UK trades and determine if you can imagine doing this type of work on a day-to-day basis…

Bricklayer

Being a bricklayer will involve placing bricks and blocks into a structure, whether this is for a new build development or when repairing a building.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to calculate angles and measurements

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Ability to work in an accurate and efficient manner

• Attention to detail

• Comfortable working outside and in all types of weather

• Knowledge of construction practices

• Problem-solving skills

Carpenter or joiner

While two different types of trade, the roles often overlap as a joiner creates structures made from wood before a carpenter installs them and carries out repairs whenever necessary.

Skills and requirements needed for both roles include:

• Ability to calculate angles and measurements

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Able to work well with your hands

• Attention to detail

• Knowledge of both construction and building practices

• Problem-solving skills

• Skillful at mathematics

Electrician

A structure’s electrical system will be maintained by an electrician, whether that is through installing, testing or repairing various electrical devices and equipment.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Ability to understand wiring systems

• Attention to detail

• Being able to use hand tools and power tools

• Being able to work in tight and closed-off spaces

• Physical fitness

• Critical thinking

• Problem-solving skills

• Skillful at mathematics

Painter and decorator

A painter and decorator will carry out the extensive work involved in preparing, painting and then applying the final touches of a property’s design.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to calculate measurements

• Ability to work in an accurate and efficient manner

• Attention to detail

• Customer service skills

• Knowledge about the different types of paints, wallpapers and finishes available

Plasterer

Mixing and applying plaster, as well as preparing surfaces where required are all tasks that a plasterer will carry out as part of their role.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Able to work well with your hands

• Attention to detail

• Can collaborate with others

• Knowledge of both construction and building practices

Plumber

Plumbers will be involved in the installation and repair of a building’s water and drainage systems, as well as its heating systems.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Able to use your initiative

• Critical thinking

• Customer service skills

• Knowledge of construction practices

• Problem-solving skills

• Skillful at mathematics

Roofer

Fitting and repairing leadwork, slates and tiles on a property will all be tasks carried out by a roofer, as will weatherproofing buildings and installing roof windows or skylights.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Able to work safely at height

• Comfortable working outside and in all types of weather

• Good balance

• Good coordination

• Knowledge of health and safety procedures

• Problem-solving skills

Scaffolder

Being a scaffolder involves erecting structural access platforms to buildings before a construction project can start. They will also be responsible for taking down the scaffolding at the end of a job.

Skills and requirements needed include:

• Ability to read technical drawings

• Able to work safely at height

• Communication skills

• Knowledge of construction practices

• Knowledge of health and safety procedures

• Physical fitness

• Problem-solving skills

By reading through this guide, you will now hopefully have a clearer idea of the career route to pursue to earn a successful living in the trade industry.