How To Become A Tradesman in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Becoming a tradesperson in the UK is a rewarding career path, offering job stability, good pay, and the satisfaction of mastering a practical skill. Whether you aspire to be an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or builder, the journey involves a blend of education, hands-on experience, and securing the necessary qualifications and certifications. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to embark on this career path, providing you with everything you need to know to become a successful tradesman in the UK.

Understanding the Trades

Tradesmen and women are skilled workers who specialise in a particular trade, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or building. The demand for skilled tradespeople remains high due to the ongoing need for maintenance, repairs, and new construction projects throughout the UK. Each trade has its own set of skills, tools, and knowledge requirements, but the overall process of becoming a tradesman shares several common steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Trade

The first step in becoming a professional in the trades is to decide which trade you want to pursue. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. Here are a few of the most popular trades in the UK:

• Electrician: Specialises in electrical wiring, systems, and repairs.
• Plumber: Focuses on installing and repairing water supply systems, drainage, and heating systems.
• Carpenter: Works with wood to build, install, and repair structures and fixtures.
• Builder: Involved in constructing buildings and other structures, often overseeing various aspects of the construction process.

When it comes to choosing your line of work, research each trade thoroughly to understand what the job entails, the skills required to do the work, and the typical environments you will find yourself in. It’s best to get as much info as possible because you don’t want to spend time working in a job you dislike. 

Step 2: Get Educated

It’s obvious, but education is a critical component to becoming a tradesperson. In the UK, there are several pathways to enter a trade, including apprenticeships, vocational institutes, and college courses.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are one of the most common ways to enter a trade. They combine on-the-job training with classroom work, allowing you to earn while you learn. Apprenticeships will typically last between 2 to 4 years, depending on the trade you decide to pursue.

To find an apprenticeship, you can:

• Search on various government websites: The National Apprenticeship Service website lists available apprenticeships across the UK, which you can find here.
• Contact local trade unions: They will often have information regarding apprenticeships, specifically in your local area.
• Network with local tradesmen: Sometimes, a direct approach is the best way to do things and can lead to an apprenticeship opportunity cropping up.

Vocational Centres and College Courses

Many colleges offer vocational courses in various trades, from gardening qualifications to plumbing and heating; these courses provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills training. Popular qualifications include:

• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications): NVQs are work-based awards that are achieved through assessment and training. They are available at different levels, from Level 1 (basic) to Level 5 (advanced).
• City & Guilds: This organisation offers a wide range of qualifications for various trades.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is invaluable in the trades. While apprenticeships provide a combination of learning and working, vocational courses may also include placements or practical workshops. The goal of this is to build your skills through hands-on experience.

Here are some ways to gain practical experience:

• Work placements: Many vocational courses and institutes include work placements as part of the curriculum.
• Part-time work: Consider working part-time with a tradesman/ woman to gain experience whilst undertaking your studies.
• Volunteering: Consider offering yourself some volunteer work. Local community projects are always popping up and can provide additional experience to help build your portfolio of work.

Step 4: Get Certified

Certification in the trades is essential to demonstrate your competence and professionalism. Different trades have specific certification requirements - especially if you hope to join relevant trade associations. Here are a few examples:

• Electricians: Must be registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC. They may also need to pass the AM2 assessment.
• Plumbers: Gas engineers must be Gas Safe registered to work legally with gas appliances in the UK.
• Builders and Carpenters: Although not always mandatory, holding a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card can be beneficial for your line of work.

These certifications will often require passing exams and meeting certain criteria, so ensure you understand the requirements for your chosen trade.

Step 5: Get Insured

Trade insurance is a crucial aspect of owning a trade business. It protects you, your clients, and your business from various things like accidental injury or damage, tool theft, site issues and more. The types of insurance you might need include:

• Public Liability Insurance: Covers you in case you cause accidental injury to a third party or damage any of their property as part of your work.
• Employers Liability Insurance: This offers cover for you as a business owner. If your trade business employers staff, you must have this cover as part of UK law. It protects you if any of your employees claim against your business for injury or illness caused by the work you set them. 
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: A popular addition for electricians, plumbers, builders and more. It protects you from claims of negligence or mistakes in your work - essentially, if you lose your customer money from the work you offer. 
• Tools Insurance: It does exactly what it says on the tin and protects your vital weapons from the loss, theft, or damage of your tools.

Having the right trade insurance not only protects you but also enhances your credibility with potential clients.

Step 6: Build Your Business

Once you are qualified and insured, the next step is to build your trade business - easy, right? Whether you plan to work for a company or start your own business, consider the following steps:

Establish a Business Plan

A business plan will outline your business goals, target market, local competition, and financial plans. It serves as a roadmap for your trade business and is essential if you need to secure any funding, loans or contracts.

Register Your Business

If you decide to start your own trade business, you need to register it with HMRC. Depending on your trade business structure, you may register as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, which we have written extensively about here.

Market Your Services

Effective marketing is designed to attract new customers and grow your trade business. There are various tactics to try in our digital world; consider these strategies:

• Create a professional-looking website: Have a website designed (or consider creating one yourself through services like GoDaddy or Squarespace) and use it to showcase your services, work done, qualifications gained, and all-important contact information.
• Use social media: This is entirely up to you; however, in this day and age, using social media is a great tool for building your business. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you show off your work and reach potential clients. We know plenty of tradespeople in the industry who have built solid followings, formed brand partnerships and grown their business simply through social media. 
• Network locally: Attend community events, join local business groups, and connect with other tradespeople in your area.
• Advertise: Use online directories like the Yellow Pages, local newspapers, advertising boards and trade-specific websites to advertise your services.

Step 7: Continuous Professional Development

The trade industry is always evolving with new technologies, techniques, and legislation. Continuous professional development ensures you stay up-to-date and maintain your competitive edge. Consider the following:

• Attend local/ online workshops and seminars: These events give you opportunities to learn about industry trends and innovations.
• Take additional courses: Further qualifications can enhance your skills and open up new opportunities.
• Join professional associations: Organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) offer resources and support for continuous development.

Get Your Trade Business Insured With The Best: Rhino Trade Insurance

Becoming a tradesman/woman in the UK is a multi-step process that requires dedication, education, practical experience, and the right attitude. 

With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a skilled tradesperson in the UK and grow the next successful business in your area. For all of your insurance needs, give our expert trade insurance professionals a call at 0116 243 7904.