Construction and Trades

Welcome to FE News’ tag page for construction and trades training opportunities across the UK. With the building and infrastructure sectors facing major skills shortages, demand for qualified tradespeople is high. From apprenticeships and college courses to jumping straight into a career – this page covers all you need to know about forging your path in an essential, fast-growing construction and trade industry.

What construction and trades courses can I study?

Popular college courses related to construction and trades include plumbing, electrical installations, bricklaying, carpentry, painting and decorating, and general construction skills. Many colleges also offer apprenticeships allowing you to earn while you learn on-the-job.

What jobs can I get with a construction/trades qualification?

With the right construction qualification from a college or training provider, you can pursue careers such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, construction site manager, civil engineer, scaffolding supervisor and more. Many of these are well-paid professions with strong job prospects.

How do I become a qualified tradesperson in the UK?

The most common route is through an apprenticeship where you gain work experience on construction projects while also completing related classroom learning. Apprentices work towards industry-recognised qualifications like NVQ Level 2, Level 3 and beyond to become fully qualified in their chosen trade.

What is the average salary for qualified builders and tradespeople?

According to UK government statistics, qualified electricians earn a median pay of £33,000, plumbers earn £28,000, and carpenters take home around £24,000 on average per year. With further experience and specialisations, salaries can increase significantly from these benchmarks.

Where can I find a construction/trades apprenticeship near me?

The government’s Find An Apprenticeship website lets you search for current construction and trade apprenticeship vacancies by job role and location across the UK. Local colleges will also advertise their own apprenticeship opportunities. Building connections with employers can also open doors.