Job Role – SKILLED TRADES

Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are at the heart of the construction industry. From bricklaying and plumbing to electrical work and plastering, these hands-on careers let you see the results of your work every day. Discover what it takes to master a trade and build a solid foundation for your future.

Bricklayer

Overview Description
Bricklayers are skilled tradespeople who build and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches, and other structures using bricks, blocks, and mortar. They play a key role in shaping the buildings and spaces we live and work in. 

Typical Duties

  • Measuring and setting out work areas.
  • Laying bricks, blocks, or stone to create walls and structures.
  • Mixing and applying mortar to bind bricks together.
  • Using hand tools and power tools to cut or shape materials.
  • Repairing or restoring existing brickwork.
  • Following technical drawings and plans.
  • Working closely with other trades on construction sites.

Required Skills

  • Good practical skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow technical plans and instructions.
  • Physical fitness and stamina (work often involves lifting and working outdoors).
  • Teamwork and communication skills.
  • Basic maths skills for measuring and calculating.
  • Problem-solving when faced with uneven surfaces or design challenges.

Qualifications

  • Apprenticeship in Bricklaying (combining paid work with training).
  • College courses such as Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Bricklaying.
  • On-site experience and a valid CSCS card are often required for site work.

Salary

  • Trainee / Apprentice: £12,000 – £18,000 a year.
  • Qualified Bricklayer: £25,000 – £40,000 a year.
  • Experienced / Specialist Bricklayer: £45,000+ (self-employed can earn more depending on demand and location).

Future Trends

  • High demand: Bricklayers are on the UK’s shortage occupation list.
  • Green building techniques: Emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient methods.
  • Technology integration: Use of laser levels, robotics, and modern tools.
  • Career progression: Opportunities in site supervision, management, or business ownership.

Carpenter

Overview Description
Carpenters (also known as joiners) work with wood to create, install, and repair structures and fittings in buildings. They play a key role in both the construction and finishing stages of projects — from building frameworks and roofs to fitting doors, floors, and furniture.  

Typical Duties

  • Measuring, cutting, and shaping wood and other materials.
  • Building and installing frameworks, floors, doors, staircases, and partitions.
  • Assembling and fitting furniture, cabinets, and shop fittings.
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans.
  • Using hand tools, power tools, and machinery safely.
  • Repairing or maintaining existing wooden structures.

Required Skills

  • Strong practical and woodworking skills.
  • Attention to detail and precision.
  • Ability to follow plans and technical drawings.
  • Good problem-solving and maths skills.
  • Physical fitness and hand–eye coordination.
  • Teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

  • Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery (most common route).
  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery (via college).
  • NVQ or City & Guilds qualifications in site or bench joinery.
  • CSCS card required for most construction sites.

Good if you like…

  • Working with your hands and creating things.
  • Seeing the results of your work every day.
  • Being practical and solving problems.
  • Working both indoors and outdoors.
  • Taking pride in high-quality craftsmanship.

Salary

  • Apprentice / Trainee: £12,000 – £18,000
  • Qualified Carpenter: £25,000 – £40,000
  • Experienced / Specialist / Self-Employed: £45,000+

Future Trends

  • Continued high demand for skilled carpenters due to housing and renovation projects.
  • Growth in eco-friendly building using sustainable timber and materials.
  • Increased use of digital design tools and prefabrication in modern construction.
  • Career progression into site management, furniture making, or self-employment.

Electrician

Overview Description
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. They ensure buildings are safe, powered, and running efficiently.  

Typical Duties

  • Installing wiring, sockets, and lighting.
  • Testing and inspecting electrical systems for safety.
  • Reading and interpreting technical diagrams and plans.
  • Repairing faulty circuits and electrical appliances.
  • Working on new builds, renovations, or maintenance projects.

Required Skills

  • Strong practical and problem-solving skills.
  • Attention to detail and safety awareness.
  • Good communication and teamwork.
  • Basic maths and technical skills.
  • Ability to work independently or on-site with others.

Qualifications

  • Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation or equivalent.
  • College courses such as Level 2/3 Diploma in Electrical Installation.
  • Completion of NVQ or City & Guilds qualifications.
  • ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) card for site access.

Good if you like…

  • Working with your hands and technical systems.
  • Solving problems and troubleshooting.
  • Seeing immediate results of your work.
  • Being responsible for safety and quality.

Salary

  • Apprentice: £13,000 – £18,000
  • Qualified Electrician: £25,000 – £40,000
  • Experienced / Specialist: £45,000+

Future Trends

  • High demand due to electrification of homes, renewable energy, and EV charging.
  • Smart home and automation technology creating new opportunities.
  • Possibility to progress into supervisory or self-employed roles.

Plumber

Overview Description
Plumbers install and maintain water, gas, and heating systems in homes, workplaces, and public buildings. They ensure buildings stay functional, safe, and comfortable.

Typical Duties

  • Installing pipes, taps, boilers, and radiators.
  • Inspecting and repairing leaks or blockages.
  • Testing systems for safety and efficiency.
  • Reading plans and technical drawings.
  • Working on construction sites, renovations, or maintenance jobs.

Required Skills

  • Good manual dexterity and practical skills.
  • Problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Communication and teamwork skills.
  • Physical fitness for lifting and bending.
  • Basic maths and technical understanding.

Qualifications

  • Plumbing apprenticeship or Level 2/3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating.
  • NVQ or City & Guilds qualifications.
  • Relevant gas safety certifications (if working with gas).

Good if you like…

  • Hands-on work and fixing problems.
  • Working in a variety of environments.
  • Seeing tangible results every day.
  • Helping people stay safe and comfortable.

Salary

  • Apprentice: £13,000 – £18,000
  • Qualified Plumber: £25,000 – £40,000
  • Experienced / Specialist: £45,000+

Future Trends

  • High demand due to housing projects and maintenance needs.
  • Green plumbing and renewable energy installations increasing.
  • Opportunities to specialise in heating, gas, or renewable systems.

Painter / Decorator

Overview Description
Painters and decorators add the finishing touches to buildings, making them look polished and professional. They work on interiors and exteriors, creating attractive and lasting finishes.

Typical Duties

  • Preparing surfaces (sanding, filling, and cleaning).
  • Applying paint, wallpaper, and other finishes.
  • Following colour schemes and design plans.
  • Repairing and restoring damaged surfaces.
  • Working on new builds, renovations, or maintenance projects.

Required Skills

  • Attention to detail and artistic eye.
  • Practical skills and steady hands.
  • Time management and organisation.
  • Ability to work independently or in teams.
  • Communication and customer service skills.

Qualifications

  • Apprenticeship in painting and decorating.
  • Level 2/3 Diploma or NVQ in Painting and Decorating.
  • City & Guilds qualifications often valued.

Good if you like…

  • Working with colours, textures, and design.
  • Seeing visible results of your work every day.
  • Practical, hands-on projects.
  • Working indoors and outdoors.

Salary

  • Apprentice: £12,000 – £16,000
  • Qualified Painter/Decorator: £22,000 – £35,000
  • Experienced / Specialist: £40,000+

Future Trends

  • Steady demand for maintenance, renovation, and new builds.
  • Opportunities in specialist finishes and decorative work.
  • Potential to run your own business or specialise in heritage projects.

    Plasterer

    Overview Description
    Plasterers create smooth or decorative finishes on walls and ceilings, preparing them for painting or other decoration. They’re key to achieving a professional, polished look in buildings.

    Typical Duties

    • Applying plaster to walls, ceilings, and partitions.
    • Mixing and preparing plaster materials.
    • Repairing damaged surfaces.
    • Creating decorative mouldings or textured finishes.
    • Working on new builds, renovations, or restorations.

    Required Skills

    • Good hand-eye coordination and practical ability.
    • Attention to detail and patience.
    • Physical fitness and stamina.
    • Ability to work quickly and accurately.
    • Teamwork and communication skills.

    Qualifications

    • Plastering Apprenticeship.
    • Level 2/3 Diploma or NVQ in Plastering.
    • CSCS card for site work.

    Good if you like…

    • Hands-on creative work.
    • Seeing instant results.
    • Working indoors most of the time.
    • Turning rough walls into smooth, finished surfaces.

    Salary

    • Apprentice: £12,000 – £16,000
    • Qualified Plasterer: £25,000 – £35,000
    • Experienced / Specialist: £40,000+

    Future Trends

    • Ongoing demand for renovation and maintenance.
    • Growth in heritage restoration and decorative plaster work.
    • Opportunities for self-employment and specialised finishes.

    Roofer

    Overview Description
    Roofers install, repair, and maintain the roofs that protect buildings from the elements. They work with a range of materials like tiles, slates, metal, and flat roofing systems.

    Typical Duties

    • Measuring, cutting, and fitting roofing materials.
    • Installing insulation and waterproofing.
    • Repairing leaks or damaged roofs.
    • Working at height safely.
    • Checking roofs for damage and wear.

    Required Skills

    • Good balance and confidence working at height.
    • Practical skills and accuracy.
    • Physical fitness and stamina.
    • Teamwork and safety awareness.
    • Problem-solving and attention to detail.

    Qualifications

    • Roofing Apprenticeship or Level 2/3 Diploma in Roofing Occupations.
    • CSCS card for site work.
    • On-the-job experience highly valued.

    Good if you like…

    • Working outdoors.
    • Being physically active.
    • Seeing visible results of your work.
    • Practical, hands-on problem-solving.

    Salary

    • Apprentice: £12,000 – £16,000
    • Qualified Roofer: £25,000 – £35,000
    • Experienced / Specialist: £40,000+

    Future Trends

    • Consistent demand due to weather damage and maintenance.
    • Growth in green roofing and solar panel installation.
    • Opportunities to specialise or start your own business.

    Scaffolder

    Overview Description
    Scaffolders build the temporary structures that support workers and materials during construction, repair, or cleaning. Their work is vital for safety and accessibility on any building project.

    Typical Duties

    • Building and dismantling scaffolding structures.
    • Measuring and cutting poles and planks.
    • Securing scaffolding safely to buildings.
    • Inspecting scaffolding for safety compliance.
    • Working as part of a coordinated team.

    Required Skills

    • Physical strength and stamina.
    • Good balance and confidence working at height.
    • Teamwork and communication skills.
    • Attention to safety and detail.
    • Ability to follow instructions and plans.

    Qualifications

    • Scaffolding Apprenticeship.
    • Level 2/3 NVQ or Diploma in Scaffolding and Accessing Operations.
    • CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) card required.

    Good if you like…

    • Active, outdoor work.
    • Working as part of a close-knit team.
    • Building and assembling large structures.
    • Being at the heart of construction activity.

    Salary

    • Apprentice: £13,000 – £17,000
    • Qualified Scaffolder: £25,000 – £35,000
    • Experienced / Advanced: £40,000+

    Future Trends

    • Strong demand with ongoing construction and maintenance work.
    • Focus on safety and high-rise infrastructure projects.
    • Opportunities to move into supervision or inspection roles.

    Plant Operator

    Overview Description
    Plant operators use machinery like diggers, cranes, bulldozers, and loaders to move materials, prepare sites, and support construction projects. They are essential for efficient and safe building operations.

    Typical Duties

    • Operating heavy machinery safely.
    • Preparing and maintaining construction sites.
    • Transporting and moving materials.
    • Monitoring equipment for safety and efficiency.
    • Coordinating with site managers and other workers.

    Required Skills

    • Practical skills and mechanical knowledge.
    • Focus and concentration.
    • Physical fitness and coordination.
    • Ability to follow safety procedures and instructions.
    • Teamwork and communication skills.

    Qualifications

    • Plant machinery apprenticeship or Level 2/3 vocational qualification.
    • CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) card.
    • On-site experience is essential.

    Good if you like…

    • Working with machinery and equipment.
    • Being active outdoors.
    • Seeing construction projects progress quickly.
    • Taking responsibility for safety.

    Salary

    • Apprentice / Trainee: £13,000 – £18,000
    • Qualified Plant Operator: £25,000 – £35,000
    • Experienced / Specialist: £40,000+

    Future Trends

    • Growing demand in infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects.
    • Increased use of modern machinery and digital controls.
    • Potential to progress into site supervision or machine specialist roles.

    Groundworker

    Overview Description
    Groundworkers prepare construction sites by digging, levelling, and laying foundations. They ensure the site is safe and ready for buildings or infrastructure.

    Typical Duties

    • Excavating and preparing foundations.
    • Installing drainage systems and underground utilities.
    • Laying concrete and other base materials.
    • Operating small machinery and hand tools.
    • Ensuring health and safety on site.

    Required Skills

    • Physical fitness and stamina.
    • Practical skills and attention to detail.
    • Ability to follow instructions and plans.
    • Teamwork and communication skills.
    • Basic understanding of construction methods and materials.

    Qualifications

    • Groundworker apprenticeship or Level 2 vocational course.
    • Health and safety certifications (e.g., CSCS card).
    • On-the-job experience highly valued.

    Good if you like…

    • Working outdoors and staying active.
    • Seeing the early stages of construction take shape.
    • Hands-on, practical work.
    • Contributing to the foundations of buildings and infrastructure.

    Salary

    • Apprentice / Trainee: £12,000 – £16,000
    • Qualified Groundworker: £22,000 – £30,000
    • Experienced / Specialist: £35,000+

    Future Trends

    • Steady demand with new housing, roads, and commercial developments.
    • Opportunities in sustainable construction and site preparation technology.
    • Pathways to supervisory roles or specialist groundworks (e.g., drainage or civil engineering support).