JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 271

Time to trade up

The UK is experiencing
a shortage of skilled
carpenters, electricians
and plumbers, so
training in a trade could
futureproof your career

2 7 0 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S

A

ccording to research published
by the Federation of Master
Builders, UK companies are
struggling to recruit bricklayers and
carpenters. Demand for skilled plumbers,
electricians and plasterers is also
outstripping supply. The Construction
Industry Training Board (CITB) has
stated that around 180,000 people
need to be recruited into the building
professions over the next five years.
The recruitment crisis is in large part
due to the global financial crisis, during
which many skilled tradespeople chose to
retire, return to eastern Europe or retrain.
But the government's drive to build more
homes means this shortage is becoming
an issue, pushing up construction prices
and potentially holding up projects.
Training in a trade at a time when skills
are so in demand could be a very smart

move. It's also an opportunity that's easy
to access and open to just about everyone.
Although trade organisation Women
On The Tools estimates that only 1% of
the skilled trades workforce is female,
there's some evidence more women
are choosing to take this career path.
Flexible hours and the opportunity for
self-employment are big attractions,
especially for those with young children.
Tradespeople can also work full-time for
contractors or specialist firms, especially
when starting out and honing their skills.
Roles range from working on new builds
to the maintenance of existing ones,
either alone or as part of a team, which
may also involve working alongside
other skilled occupations. Whether you
choose to train as a carpenter, plasterer
or electrician, chances are work will
be bountiful for years to come.



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/jcspring2018
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/JobsandCareersAutumn2017
https://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/YourBusinessWithJamesCaan2017
http://europe.nxtbook.com/emp/Careers/Careers/Careers_with_Hayley_Taylor_2011
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com