‘I went from I.T. to garden work . . . and I really dig it’ – rise in number of professionals becoming trades people
However, the number of women entering the trades remains low
IS it time for you to trade up to a new career?
With research showing as many as one in three Brits would like to find a different industry to work in, the profile of the traditional tradesman is changing fast.
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The number of women entering trades is still low
While 60 per cent aged 45 and over went straight into their job from school, trades such as plumbing, construction, landscape gardening and electrical work are attracting workers from a broader background.
Half of young “white van men” start from a university background, according to a report from construction insurers AXA. And 80 per cent have A levels or equivalent.
Fifteen per cent enter the trades after previously working in a corporate or professional role. And trades work is becoming even more skilled, with two per cent not having any formal qualifications.
While the number of women entering the trades remains low, at just one in ten new starters, more are seeking out the sector as it offers independence, choice of jobs and a good work-life balance.
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Brits are also increasingly “cross careering” by trying out trades work before leaving other jobs.
One in five say their trade was a hobby before it became their work.
There is also a strong desire to help families’ future jobs security, with one in ten following in a family member’s footsteps while 20 per cent plan to pass on the business to their kids.
Tradespeople are also shedding the cowboy image — four in five do work for free for vulnerable customers, and two thirds say they often put in extra hours unpaid.
AXA business insurance managing director Darrell Sansom said: “People often talk about an image problem in the trades, and the industry has long wrestled with a skills shortage.
“But there are few industries where you can be your own boss within a few years of starting out — and earn a better living than most graduate jobs offer.
“Tradesmen, though rarely credited with this, are often the glue that holds communities together and develop extraordinary relationships of trust with their customers.”
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Gaynor's growing role
GAYNOR LANE worked in the IT department of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for 27 years before the swap to gardening.
The 51-year-old, right and above, from Urmston, said: “Switching to the trades was the best decision. I love physical activity, being outside and helping people.
“I pride myself on being respectful, honest and hard-working. Most satisfying is seeing the results of my hard work. It’s very different to being a small cog in a big organisation.”
Google's search
LONDON calling! Google is searching for the UK’s top ten most innovative start-ups to attend a residential programme at its Campus this summer.
Winners will get a money-can’t-buy package including specialist mentoring, insights from the capital’s most experienced investors and connections to renowned global entrepreneurs.
Francesca Dean, head of programmes at Campus London, said: “Amazing ideas can come from anywhere and there is incredible entrepreneurial talent across the UK. Pooling this talent with the knowledge and expertise of our international community of entrepreneurs puts Campus London in a unique position to help propel the best start-ups to global scale.”
Applications close on July 29 and the programme starts on August 22. Apply now at .
- PLANT hire firm HSS Hire is seeking 150 new staff across the UK.
Karl Neimarlija, recruitment team leader, said: “We are looking for candidates with a positive, can-do attitude and who have a genuine interest in finding out what it’s like to work for HSS.”
Apply now at .
Got the drive
THE RAC is recruiting 30 new patrols to fill vacancies across the UK.
Applicants should have excellent mechanical and customer service skills and be able to use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools.
Patrol recruits should also have a Level 2 NVQ or City & Guilds Motor Vehicle Maintenance qualification and a minimum of four years’ experience.
In return you’ll get a competitive salary, full training and a comprehensive benefits package.
RAC operations director Phil Ryan said: “To maintain the outstanding level of service and expertise we have a very rigorous recruitment policy that ensures we only hire the best.”
Apply now at .
Politics baffles newbies
POLITICS can be puzzling and problematic – as recent Parliamentary events have shown. And it seems office politics is no different.
Fifty-four per cent of young people starting work felt “unprepared” for workplace politics and unable to speak out on issues affecting them, according to research out today.
By contrast, 76 per cent were prepared for the hours they need to work and 77 per cent believed they had the right time management skills.
Seven in ten were confident dealing with senior staff.
Julian Sykes, director of organisational effectiveness at the Co-op, which carried out the study, said: “Office politics saps workplace productivity – businesses should address its root causes, freeing up time to take on, train and motivate the next generation.”
Friendly forces at work
CATERING giant Compass Group has become the 1,000th firm to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to give a fair deal to service families.
Managing director Dennis Hogan said: “We recognise the sacrifice made by those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and also understand the essential support their spouses and families provide.
“Therefore it is only right that we seek to do what we can for our employees who are part of the Armed Forces community by creating a more flexible and understanding work environment in which to operate.”
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What Brits want
YOU can make landing your dream job a reality. A new report from jobsite CV-library.co.uk reveals what makes a dream job for Brits:
Strong job title: A third said they would be more likely to take on a role with “manager” in the title.
Lower salary: More than 80 per cent of workers are willing to take a pay cut or smaller salary if it means having their dream job.
Close to home: More than half of employees are not keen to relocate for a job, wishing to stick closer to home instead.
Career progression: Nearly three quarters of Brits say being able to move up in a company is important to them.
Good workplace perks: More than half of jobseekers say work benefits are important, rising to 77 per cent of under-25s.
Bean there, sung that
HE found fame on The X Factor, but Union J star George Shelley’s first job was at Costa Coffee.
He says the barista role gave him the confidence to apply for the ITV talent show – and now he’s backing Costa campaign #myfirstjob urging teens to use skills from first jobs, such as communication, teamwork and customer service, to forge careers.
He said: “I learnt a lot in my first job and it did great things for my confidence, which helped me to where I am today. I thank Costa for teaching me skills I still use today.”
Costa talent director Priya Farish said: “With over half our store teams aged under 25, we offer jobs and training that encourage development of many of the traits future employers look for.”
See George go back to work at Costa by searching “George Shelley #MyFirstJob” on YouTube. Apply for jobs at
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