Becoming a tradesman or tradeswoman in the UK means picking up practical skills that lead to steady work and decent earnings. Trades offer a way out of desk jobs for many, with the chance to work with your hands, solve problems on site, and often run your own business. Demand stays high because of ongoing building projects, home improvements, and maintenance needs. 

Shortages in skilled workers across the UK mean there are good opportunities, especially in construction and home services. Pay varies by trade, location, and experience, but most roles beat the national average wage of about £35,000 a year. London and the South East tend to pay more, while self-employed tradesmen can earn a lot of extra cash through overtime or more specialist jobs.

Today we’re breaking down some of the most popular trades: plumbing, electrics, carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, and tiling. 

For each, we’ll explain what the job involves, what you can expect to earn, the best way to get into the trade, and any other relevant tips. Job prospects for tradespeople look solid across the board right now, with government pushes for more housing and green upgrades creating a wide range of openings.

Let’s start with plumbing:

Plumbing

Plumbers fix pipes, install heating systems, and handle bathrooms or kitchens. The work mixes diagnostics with physical tasks, like unblocking drains or fitting boilers. It's a trade where emergencies pay well, but expect wet conditions and tight spaces.

Average pay sits around £42,000 to £48,000 a year for experienced plumbers, with beginners earning more like £25,000 to £30,000. Self-employed ones can hit £50,000 plus in busy areas.

To get started, aim for a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing from a college like City & Guilds, which takes 8-10 weeks full-time. Apprenticeships last 3-4 years, combining paid work with study – you’ll need GCSEs in English and maths for entry. Fast-track courses are available which are less comprehensive but suit career switchers aged over 19. 

Once qualified, you can join Gas Safe if you want gas work, which is a relatively easy way to boost earnings. The outlook for plumbers is strong; ageing homes and new builds keep demand high, pretty much at all times.

Electrics

Electricians wire buildings, install lights, and repair faults. Safety is key, as mistakes can cause fires or shocks. Jobs range from basic domestic rewires to full on commercial setup installations.

Salaries average from £38,000 to £47,000, starting at £20,000 for apprentices. Qualified sparkys in London can often earn over £50,000.

Entry usually means a Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, or an apprenticeship like the Installation and Maintenance Electrician one, which runs 3-4 years. No prior experience is needed, but maths and science GCSEs help. After qualifying, get your ECS card for site access and consider 18th Edition Wiring Regulations updates. The shift to electric vehicles and solar panels means work is plentiful for the foreseeable future.

Carpentry

Carpenters build frameworks, fit doors, and craft furniture. Site carpenters work on houses, while joiners focus on benches or cabinets in workshops.

Pay ranges from £35,000 to £42,000 on average, with apprentices at £18,000 to £25,000. Specialists in restoration can charge significantly more.

To start, go for a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry from college, or a 2-3 year apprenticeship. No qualifications are required upfront, but practical skills are what will really make you shine. Get a CSCS card for construction sites. Tools like saws and levels are essentials you will have to buy yourself. With housing targets rising, carpenters stay busy.

Bricklaying

Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks, and stones for walls or extensions. It's outdoor work, weather-dependent, and physically tough with lifting involved.

Average earnings are £35,000 to £45,000, starters around £22,000. Piecework on big sites can push it higher.

College routes include a Level 2 Certificate in Bricklaying which takes 1-2 years part-time. Apprenticeships last 2 years, and require basic GCSEs. On-site training as a labourer first builds experience. A CSCS card is a must-have for jobs. Shortages of bricklayers mean quick progression if you're reliable.

Painting and Decorating

Painters apply finishes, wallpaper, and prep surfaces. It's creative but messy, with ladders and fumes being a big part of the deal.

Salaries average £30,000 to £38,000, with apprentices at £15,000 to £20,000. Domestic work is always steady, but commercial pays a lot more.

No formal qualifications are needed to start, but a Level 2 Diploma helps if it’s an option. Apprenticeships take 2 years. Practice on your own projects to build a portfolio and gain skill. Tools are quite cheap compared to most other trades – brushes, rollers, drop sheets. Demand from renovations keeps work pretty stable.

Tiling

Tilers lay tiles on walls and floors by cutting to fit and then grouting. Precision matters for patterns like herringbone, and you will often deal with wet rooms or kitchens.

Pay averages £45,000 to £60,000, with beginners starting at around £25,000. Self-employed tilers in high-end jobs can comfortably earn £65,000 or even higher.

No experience is required to begin. The best way is a hands-on course that teaches you all of the important skills from an experienced tiler, such as the 13 Day Expert Tiling Course in Newport, South Wales, which is used by prospective tilers all around the UK and offers discounted accommodation. It covers everything from basics to advanced bonds, substrate prep, and business setup, all in a dedicated centre. 

Shorter options like the 4 or 9 day courses suit quicker starts, with funding available through React+ for those who live in Wales. Apprenticeships exist and may be helpful for certain people, but are rare and unnecessary; courses get you trained up and earning more quickly.

With bathroom trends booming, tilers always have plenty of work.

Beyond specific trades, some general points apply. Many need a CSCS card – a quick online test on health and safety. Insurance covers public liability, around £100-£200 a year. Vans and tools add costs, but grants are available to help starters. Self-employment is very common, just be sure to register with HMRC and do it properly.

Pros of going self employed include flexibility – set your hours, choose your jobs, take a day off when you wish. The cons are physical strain, irregular income at first, and weather for outdoor roles. 

Women and older entrants succeed too; there is no need to be the typical demographic.

If you're switching careers, assess your fitness and consider trying a taster day. With the UK needing 300,000 new homes yearly, trades look set for continuous growth into 2030, at least. Pick a trade based on your strengths, ability to learn and earning potential.

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