As the world steers towards automation and AI-enhanced programs to help with everyday life, a career in the trades seems like a better and better idea. Whether you are considering working as a plumber or becoming a qualified electrician, both fields are in high demand and have great potential for future careers as either an employee or a self-employed individual.
Do Both Careers Have Good Outlook for the Future?
Phil from Gastec Training said “There is a continued shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK, making a career as either a plumber or an electrician a great choice. As the number of tradespeople continues to decline, the demand for these workers continues to rise, leading to higher wages and a better lifestyle for the workers who pursue a career in these fields.”
What Kind of Training is Required?
Being a plumber and being an electrician are two wildly varying fields of work. Because of this, it may be surprising that the training path required for both fields is quite similar.
Plumber
As a plumber, there are 2 different routes to get your training to work in the industry.
An apprentice plumber would need to finish a 4-year apprentice program in which they would attend college courses one day per week throughout the academic year while working the other days alongside qualified plumbers in the field.
Another option for plumbers would be to go to a construction trades training centre and take their plumbing course. This is typically a 16-week course that gives you the knowledge necessary to work with most everything related to plumbing.
Electrician
As an electrician, your options for training are similar but electrical work can be considerably more dangerous than plumbing work (though not always, particularly when working with gas).
Apply as an apprentice with a contractor and work in the field while you are getting your education. This is done over a 3–4-year time frame and you can earn while you learn and become fully qualified.
Go to a training school and get training and technical certificates. These courses are broken up but can be taken in consecutive order, giving you the ability to get a large portion of your education before heading out into the field to get experience.
What Does a Plumber Do Daily?
Plumbers do a variety of work that spans commercial, residential, industrial, and the medical industry, opening doors to all sorts of work and in all different capacities. A day of plumber’s work can include:
Installing and repairing water systems
Installing and repairing drainage systems
Gas fitting, modification and installation of gas fixtures
Heating and cooling systems
What Does an Electrician Do Daily?
Electricians are also privileged to see a wide swath of different types of work in many varied industries including commercial, residential, industrial, and medical.
Electrical installers can plan, install, and modify electrical systems
Install and repair fire alarm and suppression systems
Run wiring in residential and commercial settings
Modify, install, and repair lighting systems
What Do Electricians Earn?
In the UK, electricians can earn, on average, £28,000 or more, depending on their specialities.
What Do Plumbers Earn?
For plumbers in the UK, the average salary runs around £32,000, some of the highest in the country. If you specialize in gas fitting, your salary can run even higher!
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