Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>Official trade qualifications in the UK
Last updated: 19 December 2024
Official trade qualifications in the UK
If you’re ready to start your own business or want to upskill, we’re here to help. Discover the most common trade qualifications in the UK.
Now is a great time to be a tradesperson in the UK. Because becoming a qualified tradesperson has never been more accessible.
Getting official trade qualifications sets you up with the right skills to do the job well. Plus, it shows potential customers that you’re dedicated to your trade.
Types of trade qualifications in the UK
There are hundreds of different courses and qualifications for tradespeople in the UK. The one you train in will depend on the trade you choose, and the specialism you want to explore.
The most common trade qualifications in the UK
Apprenticeship
Being a trade apprentice is one of the most common starting points for many tradespeople.
Apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job training with studying. So, you'll be paid a wage and work alongside experienced tradespeople. And this will help you gain practical skills!
Diploma
A diploma provides formal training for you to learn and develop new skills, and put them into practice.
Diplomas usually last 6 weeks. These are a great first step for starting your career as a tradesperson.
NVQ/SVQ
NVQ/SVQs are vocational qualifications that demonstrate your existing working knowledge and skills.
You generally need to have basic knowledge of your trade to begin an NVQ/SVQ. So, you might need to complete another course first. But this will depend on your trade and the specific NVQ/SVQ requirements.
Short course certificates
As well as formal qualifications, there are many short, intensive practical training courses. These are typically designed to cover specific areas of trade work.
Short courses can be good as part of your initial training as a tradesperson. Or to further expand your knowledge in a specialist area of your trade.
Benefits of trade qualifications
There are many reasons why getting official trade qualifications is a smart move:
Boost your credibility
Being qualified shows potential customers you have the skills to do the job properly.
Make yourself more employable
Having relevant trade qualifications makes you more attractive to employers.
Gain confidence
Through training, you’ll develop skills and gain experience that will give you added confidence in your work.
Win more work
Qualified tradespeople tend to win more work and get paid more than unqualified workers.
Meet the requirements
For certain types of trade work, such as gas engineering or electrical installations, it’s a legal requirement to have specific qualifications.
Get your business off to the best start
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Am I too old to become a tradesperson?
No! The majority of tradespeople start their career between the ages of 16 and 24. But that’s not the case for everyone.
Changing careers has become very common. And many workers are learning a trade in their 30s and 40s.
If you’re thinking of learning a trade as a mature worker, choose a trade that you’ll enjoy. And one that you’ll be well suited to, physically.
Retraining in your 40s as a tradesperson
Learning a trade at 40 When it comes to retraining in your 40s, it might not seem it, but your options are vast. This is especially true as a tradesperson, where many jobs will allow you to train on the job if you have the right skills. This means, that, if you have the desire, you can successfully
What trade qualifications do I need?
The trade qualifications you’ll need depend on the trade you’re working in. As well as the exact type of work you want to carry out.
Some trades don’t have any formal requirements. But others will require you to have certain qualifications to carry out work in that field.
One important point to remember is that becoming a qualified tradesperson takes time.
Through training courses, and gaining official trade qualifications, you’ll get the experience and confidence you need. All of which will make you a highly competent tradesperson!
Which is the best trade to learn?
Choosing which trade to learn will depend on your interests and skills.
Some of the most popular tradespeople in the UK are:
Builders
Roofers
Plumbers
Electricians
Carpenters
Painter and decorators
Trade qualifications to become a builder
Many builders with trade qualifications in the UK once started their careers in entry-level roles. Or, as an apprentice where they’d learn on the job.
However, many construction companies will ask for a good standard of education, too. This includes GCSEs (A-D) in maths and English.
T hese are the trade qualifications needed to work in the construction industry:
Construction NVQ
Construction Health and Safety course
CPCS card (Construction Plant Competence Scheme)
Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
Asbestos Awareness certification
Also, most building sites in the UK will require you to hold a CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme).
This is to ensure on-site safety and compliance standards. So, bear this in mind.
Trade qualifications to become a plumber
The minimum qualification to become a plumber in the UK is the City & Guilds 6035 Level 2 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing.
Other plumbing qualifications include:
Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating
T level for Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians
Gas Safe registration
Asbestos Awareness certification
Trade qualifications to become an electrician
An apprenticeship scheme is one of the most common ways for electricians to start their careers.
It can take 2-4 years to become a fully qualified electrician in the UK.
You’ll need the following electrician trade qualifications:
Industry-recognised level 3 qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (if part of an apprenticeship)
Asbestos Awareness certification
Fancy becoming an electrician? Light up your career and start a domestic electrician course.
Qualifications needed to become a painter or decorator
Wondering how to become a painter or decorator, or upskill in this trade? Well, there aren’t always strict trade qualifications required.
Practice makes perfect with this career path, but it is beneficial to take courses in painting and decorating before establishing your business.
But, if you’re working on building sites, you’ll need a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme card. So, bear this in mind.
These are some of the trade qualifications available in the UK for painters and decorators:
The choice of: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Wallpapering (City & Guilds)
NVQ in Painting and Decorating - Level 1
NVQ in Painting and Decorating - Level 2
Trade qualifications to become a roofer
To become a roofer in the UK, an apprenticeship usually takes about 2 years to complete.
You’ll need the following trade qualifications to become a roofer:
Level 2 Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling
Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Occupations
T level for Roofers
Asbestos Awareness certification
Renewable energy qualifications
The popularity of renewable energy, green homes and eco-friendly living has seen a huge boost in recent years.
That means having ‘green’ qualifications could give you a competitive edge in your trade. Especially when looking towards the future.
Renewable energy courses
To become fully trained in renewable energy, there are a number of trade qualifications that you could try:
BPEC Solar PV Course
City & Guilds Electric Vehicle Charging Course
Courses from the Renewable Energy Institute
Renewable Energy T313 from Open University
Green energy training and heat pump installation
It goes without saying that with winter comes quick temperature drops and sky-rocketing energy prices. But while this is troublesome for businesses and customers, there’s no better time to tap into the demand for new heating technology. Particularly when it comes to heat pumps.
Green homes NVQs
Homeowners are becoming more conscious and enthusiastic about making their homes as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible.
And the government is now offering 100% funded Green Homes Grants for NVQ Level 2 assessments in:
Loft insulation
Underfloor insulation
External wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Cold/warm roof insulation
Draught-proofing
Internal wall insulation
Quick roundup
The best way to succeed as a tradesperson is to learn new skills or build on your existing experience. And gaining trade qualifications will help you get there!
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