Opportunities Should Knock

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Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com believes it is time for working in trades to be seen as the desirable career and has already been at the centre of a call on the next government to change the perception of the opportunities.

He says: “There are so many reasons that our tradespeople love their careers. Job security is likely to be assured for them with the current shortfall in skilled trades, predicted to reach 250,000 by 2030.

“It’s also not threatened by the rise of artificial intelligence, allows you to begin earning as soon as you begin – and by your mid-20s you can be making significant money without any student debt.

“Working in the skilled trades gives great opportunities to be self-employed, which although can be very hard work, can offer flexible working hours and a fantastic work/life balance.

“While university is of course a fantastic choice for some, it’s not a perfect fit for others. It is time the government guided schools to be promoting the trades as an exciting and impressive career choice.”

 

Case study 1

Father-and-son team Scott and Frank McBride are plasterers with MyBuilder.com. Scott believes younger people are not always aware of the opportunities a career in trades offers. He says: “When I was 16, I knew plenty of older boys who had gone into trades and they had cars and nice houses – it was really aspirational to work in trades. I started an apprenticeship at 16 and by 23 was in a position to offer to buy my parents’ house!

“My son followed me into plastering as he already knew the path it could take him on. He also took an apprenticeship and now works alongside me. He’s never looked back. If he hadn’t had a father who worked successfully in trades, I’m not sure if he’d have taken that route as it doesn’t seem to be promoted as an option in schools – they seem keener to push kids into further academic studies, regardless of whether that’s the right route for them.”

Frank says: “I knew I wanted to work in trades as I had seen first-hand the potential that career offers. But they didn’t really push it at school and I might have ended up missing out if I hadn’t had family in the job.

“It’s so flexible to work in trades – you can work for a company or go self-employed and there’s always an opportunity to work extra if you want to. It’s good money and even now in my early 20s I’m able to save for the future.”

 

Case study 2

Dan Chaney, a carpenter with MyBuilder.com, began an apprenticeship after a labourer friend suggested it. He says: “School never pushed the idea of apprenticeships, even though I was not a great candidate for A Levels and beyond. There needs to be more education for young people about the opportunities of a career in trades – particularly in helping them see beyond the few years of low pay during an apprenticeship. It’s a means to an end, and after it’s completed the potential is endless.”

 

Case study 3

Chanelle Taylor, a painter with MyBuilder.com, says her career has allowed her to be flexible with her hours, while proving to be extremely lucrative: “I think more women should consider working in this industry. Women often have a great eye for detail and flair, so they’re perfect for this career. It also allows great flexibility and you can work the hours you want – I am so busy now I can turn away work if it’s not right for me.

“I’d certainly encourage young people to consider painting and decorating as a career choice. There are so many benefits – flexible working hours, good pay and a great work/life balance. It’s also so satisfying to see a space transformed by your work – it’s a great feeling!”

 

Picture: Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com believes it is time for working in trades to be seen as the desirable career choice.

MyBuilder.com

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
27th June 2024

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