‘I went from I.T. to garden work . . . and I really dig it’ – rise in number of professionals becoming trades people

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.

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.