New data from Access Training UK has found that more Britons than ever are learning a trade skill with the goal of undertaking a career change .

The UK ’ s leading training provider has seen demand for courses explode in recent months and since June 2021 , applications have increased by 29 %. ^{[ 1 ]} The most popular professions that people are hoping to transition into are electricians with a 38 % increase , closely followed by increases in trainee gas engineer ( 29 %), plumbers ( 24 %) and carpenters ( 13 %). ^{[ 2 ]}

This surge could be linked to the pandemic , with people taking time to reflect on what they want from a career . Previous research has suggested that the pandemic has sparked a career switching revolution for mature workers . Microsoft revealed that over 45s employed in sales , media and marketing were the most likely to be embarking on a career change in the coming months . ^{[ 3 ]}

However , it is likely that the interest cannot purely be attributed to just a lifestyle choice – the security of trade jobs is also another big factor in this decision making . The pandemic created a tumultuous job market for certain industries . However , demand for tradespeople actually increased

during lockdown , to the point that homeowners faced lengthy delays in finding skilled workers to complete home improvement jobs . As such , possessing a trade skill provided workers with an added layer of job security .

Tradespeople outearn graduates

Moreover , people are beginning to see that tradespeople have significant earning potential , even compared to those possessing advance academic qualifications .

University has long been seen as the route to financial success , however , graduate salaries have stalled in recent years . The High Fliers report has found that the median starting salary for graduates has been held at £ 30,000 for the past five years . However , this will be influenced by graduate salaries in elite industries , such as legal and banking , and other sources have indicated that a realistic starting salary is between £ 21-25,000 . ^{[ 4 ]}

In contrast , a newly qualified tradesperson can realistically expect to earn £ 31,500 in their first year on the job . ^{[ 5 ]} This means young tradespeople will be earning approximately £ 7,000 more than their academic peers , without having to bear the £ 45,000 debt that typically comes with studying at university . ^{[ 6 ]}

we are seeing unprecedented demand for training _places

Jamie Jefferies , CEO of Access Training UK , comments :

“ Lockdown highlighted the importance of tradespeople – it was one of the few sectors that could continue their work to help keep the lights on and the water running . This wasn ’ t lost on people , who recognised that learning a trade is a route to steady and well-paid work .

“ As well as offering a well-paid career , the day-to-day work of tradespeople can be incredibly rewarding . Whether it ’ s fitting a new boiler or lighting system , completing a day ’ s work leads to tangible results that change lives , and can be an incredible source of pride .

“ The pandemic was a time to take a step back and re-evaluate what was important to us , particularly in terms of our careers , and many are realising that a trade can tick a lot of boxes . As a result , we are seeing unprecedented demand for training places , allowing people to upskill and embark on an exciting new start .”

About Access Training UK

Access Training UK is the UK ’ s leading vocational training course provider , offering career specific training courses that deliver industry recognised qualifications of the highest quality .

At Access Training UK , students benefit from a flexible 3-stage training programme , enabling them to build a course around their own schedule . Each course begins with unlimited online learning , followed by in-centre practical training and 3-years of unrivalled career and employment support .

www . accesstraininguk . co . uk