The trade industry has been the bedrock of the working class in the UK for over a century, with skilled labourers in high demand for everything from light decoration work to major domestic engineering. Becoming a tradesman has become more of a draw to people in recent years, with many considering a shift in careers to adopt a new vocation.
Labourer Roles, and Their Average Salaries
A recent report by plumbing specialists City Plumbing has gathered the average salaries for each specialist worker within the trade and construction industry. The list, ordered from lowest to highest average wage, is presented below:
- Locksmith – £25,830
- Builder/Labourer – £23,450
- Landscape Gardener – £27,319
- Specialist Welder – £27,436
- Tree Surgeon – £28,883
- Carpet Fitter – £30,194
- Tradesperson – £30,294
- Roofer – £32,244
- Floor Layer – £32,403
- Painter/Decorator – £33,004
- Plasterer – £35,498
- Joiner – £36,746
- Bathroom Fitter £37,158
- Electrician – £37,780
- Tiler – £38,377
- Plumber/Pipe Fitter – £38,573
- Window Fitter – £40,198
- Carpenter – £41,284
- Heating Engineer – £44,305
The Trade Sector Landscape
The new data set comes as a result of a shift in the trade sector’s landscape, as a growing number of UK workers have begun to express an interest in re-training. The employment landscape as a whole has seen unprecedented tumult in recent years, as coronavirus-related burnout and stagnating wages alike have spurred a cross-Atlantic ‘Great Resignation’.
Not only are workers appearing to leave their existing roles in large numbers, but they are also trading up for new roles in different industries altogether. The country’s emergence from the grips of pandemic restrictions is being treated as something of a new start for many, and the perfect excuse to re-train. The same report found that around 1 in 10 working adults – or 3.7 million workers – were considering re-training in a trade. But how might one re-train?
Getting Into Labouring
Beginning a new career in a trade can be a laborious process, but also a rewarding one – and depends greatly on your ideal day-to-day. Heating engineers are most likely to spend their days installing or repairing boilers for private residents, something which requires a degree of technical knowledge but is also the best-remunerated role of the lot. Meanwhile, a locksmith’s day-to-day might be much more varied, but also much more piecemeal.
The most common route to a career in the trade industry today is via apprenticeships. In signing up for an apprenticeship, budding workers are given on-the-job vocational training alongside standard tutelage, culminating in a qualification to demonstrate their experience. However, apprenticeships may not be feasible for adults with a well-established career, especially with the reduced wages that would result.
For adults intending to re-train, night classes are a great way to engage with a specific trade, as well as Open University courses taken in free time. Some trades, such as light home improvement and decoration, can be entered freelance, with no qualifications or certification. Some require specific training and certification, though, such as electrical work. Just be sure to do your research before you embark on your new career path.