With the decorations coming down, only the worst chocolates left in the tin, and unwanted Christmas presents quietly appearing on eBay; it can only mean the dawn of a brand new year! So has the new year left you assessing your options and looking for a fresh start? A new career, maybe?
The numbers are certain. A fresh start is the way forward, with data suggesting there’s a growing shortage of skilled workers in the country, and here’s why:
More Homes = More Problems
The number of homes built has hit its highest level in nearly thirty years. Data suggests that 50,000 homes were built in the first three months of 2021 alone (Source: Property Notify). Houses that contain boilers, baths, bulbs and burglar alarms most definitely need the attention of an electrician or gas engineer at some point.
Alongside new homes with new problems, older homes also present their own challenges for homeowners and tradespeople, with older boilers needing to be replaced with newer, energy-efficient ones. Those new boilers will need servicing every 12 months, with interim and emergency repairs required. (Source: Gov.uk)
And with recent developments within the industry, many people are looking to move away from their traditional gas boilers and towards heat pumps and solar heating. As a result, the demand for competent and qualified electricians and gas and heating engineers has never been greater.
Electricians In Demand
With an increase in smarter technologies, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership has said that roughly 12,500-15,000 new electricians are needed over the next 4-5 years to meet the needs of evolving electronic technologies. However, even if 5,000 new apprentices are trained by 2023, there’s still a shortfall of at least 7,500 electricians.
This represents a massive opportunity for a lot of people, including you! With electricians in such high demand, why not retrain and enter a brand-new market with huge possibilities? (Source: The ESP) Our NVQ Level 3 Electrical Course will teach you the essential practical and theoretical elements of the electrical trade. This, along with the latest 18th Edition wiring regulations, will have you ready for on-site as a trainee within eight weeks.
The ‘B’ Word
We daren’t mention the ‘B’ word around here, but this year represents a change in the playing field, and depending on whose report you believe, everything, nothing, or something may change. Data suggests that net EU migration has fallen to its lowest level in 16 years. A survey of housing professionals in 2018 also cites an ageing workforce and an inability to attract younger people into trade training, along with a fall in migration. (Source: The Independent)
With this, the candle’s being burnt at both ends. More people are leaving the trades one way or another, and fewer people are getting involved. The theme’s pretty clear by now. There’s a huge opportunity for someone to drop what they’re doing and pick up the tools instead.
Fatten That Wallet Up!
Never get into a job just for the money, trust us. However, electricians and gas engineers can earn an average salary of over £30,000 annually. It does vary from region to region, though, with London-based tradies making a bit more. Further to this, the skills shortage in the UK is pushing up wages. There have also been rumblings of some electricians earning over £100,000 a year. We remain sceptical, but if you’re good enough and can set your prices, the sky’s the limit.
Our gas & electrical courses at Options Skills cost money, but instead of seeing it as money spent, see it as money invested in your new career in your future. Within three months of earning the average wage, you’ll have recouped your course costs in wages. Plus, with a range of finance options designed to suit every need, you can spread the cost of your training over several months – perfect for that post-Christmas pinch. (Source: The Guardian)
Generation Rent
Over 4 million people are currently renting in the UK. (Source: Statista). In turn, that means a lot of landlords, and the Landlords and Tenants Act requires all rented properties are fit for occupation. In addition, gas appliances in rental properties must be serviced every 12 months, with a gas safety certificate issued every 12 months or at a change of tenancy.
With that and routine gas appliance & boiler servicing, a gas engineer should have plenty of regular work & repeat business. Sounds incredibly busy, but wouldn’t you rather be busy than bored? (Source: The Guardian)
Still not convinced about a new career? The numbers don’t lie; we’ve trained hundreds of electricians and gas engineers, with hundreds of happy customers rating us 4.9/5 on Feefo (well, nobody’s perfect, are they?).
A new year might not be the time for a new you, but it’s a good time for a new career. That’s why we run courses throughout the year with regular start dates and operate an open-door policy. We want you to come in and see our facilities before you commit. We also offer a range of flexible training options so you can train on your terms and fit it around your prior commitments.
Need a little more persuading? Then, check out more reasons why we think you should consider a career in the trades industry.
