The Best Trades to Learn in the UK

Deciding on a career in the trades offers huge scope for job satisfaction, excellent pay and stable demand in the UK. In fact, it’s well known that learning a trade is the best way to invest in your future! But with over 150 skilled trade occupations to pick from, what are objectively the most promising and profitable trades to pursue right now?

The Top Ten Trades to Learn In the UK, 2024

This guide ranks the top 10 UK trades by pay, qualifications cost and future-proofed growth prospects to reveal the most lucrative skills giving newcomers durable, prosperous livelihoods.

1. Electrician

• Average UK Salary: £32,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £3,000
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4%

Sparky skills never go out of style with new builds, renovations and infrastructure upgrades across Britain needing certified electricians. While completing initial NVQ Level 3 courses and an apprenticeship involves some investment, qualified electricians enter one of the highest paying trades with salaries rising towards £50,000 for master tradespeople inspecting and approving work by others.

2. Plumber

• Average UK Salary: £32,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £4,000
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4.3%

Plumbers rank among the most in-demand UK trades given leaky pipes, faulty boilers and drainage issues arise daily in British properties old and new. Qualifying via plumbing NVQ Level 2 and 3 along with required gas safe certificates promises strong wages – often on a lucrative self-employed basis – with the flexibility to set own hours.

3. Carpenter & Joiner

• Average UK Salary: £33,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £3,500
• Projected Growth by 2026: +3.9%

For those handy making and fixing items in wood, carpentry and joinery provides immense job satisfaction plus decent pay as a qualified tradesperson fabricating and fitting bespoke furniture or construction structures. Entry requires some initial outlay on tools and Level 2 & 3 Joinery NVQs before potentially specialising in niche carpentry fields.

4. Heating & Ventilation Engineer

• Average UK Salary: £32,500
• Typical Qualification Costs: £4,500
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4.8%

With UK buildings requiring ever more sophisticated temperate and airflow controls, certified HVAC engineers gain perpetually growing demand. Starting out necessitates plumbing or electrical NVQs before specialising with Level 3 refrigerant handling/ventilation qualifications. But long-term prospects are bright in this essential MEP trade.

5. Bricklayer

• Average UK Salary: £31,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £3,000
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4.1%

Traditional bricklaying skills retain strong appeal given UK housing shortages demand durable yet attractive newbuilds and extensions. Brickies complete initial construction NVQs then further practical training before qualifying. And as a licensed tradesperson, going solo as a sub-contractor promises strong rates on site.

6. Roofer

• Average UK Salary: £30,500
• Typical Qualification Costs: £2,500
• Projected Growth by 2026: +5.2%

Becoming qualified in roofing delivers reliable demand year-round as homes and commercial premises continually require installation and fixes of tiles, slates, leadwork and weatherproofing. Expect physical exertion balancing aloft plus mastering essential health and safety competencies via roofing NVQs.

7. Stonemason

• Average UK Salary: £31,500
• Typical Qualification Costs: £4,000
• Projected Growth by 2026: +3.1%

Pursuing a creative niche, stonemasons enjoy preserving heritage carving replacement architectural embellishments like corbels, fireplaces and ornate masonry enriching newbuilds with custom finishes. Completing initial stonemasonry qualifications and gathering tools carries some cost but unlocks a deeply fulfilling craft.

8. Painter & Decorator

• Average UK Salary: £24,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £2,500
• Projected Growth by 2026: +3.7%

Painter-decorators handle extensive prepping, painting and final touches across commercial and residential spaces. While earning potential lags other trades, low entry barriers through NVQ Level 2 Painting & Decorating coupled with constant surface refresh demand ensures painter roles remain plentiful.

9. Scaffolder

• Average UK Salary: £28,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £1,800
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4.5%

Before construction projects begin, scaffolder crews erect structural access platforms. The work is physically strenuous but gains qualify via straightforward NVQs before salaries build from Day 1. Just note that earning potential remains capped for tradesmen relative to other roles.

10. Steel Fixer

• Average UK Salary: £27,000
• Typical Qualification Costs: £2,200
• Projected Growth by 2026: +4.6%

If you relish hands-on site work, steel fixing provides stable prospects fabricating and fitting reinforced steel rods and mesh vital for poured concrete strengths. Just be prepared for some demanding heavy lifting daily. Qualify by completing an Initial Construction NVQ.

There we have an extensively researched overview of the highest income trades to pursue right now in the UK based on pay benchmarks, forecasted demand growth and training requirements. Got questions unanswered or seeking guidance on the best construction trade for you? Comment your queries below!