Retraining after redundancy for a tradeperson career

Redundancy can be a real blow, but you can use it as a catalyst to retrain and kickstart a new career. Our guide to retraining after redundancy offers some options.

What does the law say about redundancy?

According to Section 139 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, redundancy is a dismissal from your job.

It takes place when whoever employs you decides to stop employing you. That might be because:

• Competition forces the employer to reduce its workforce as there is less work available

• Economic conditions could mean the employer has to downsize its workforce

• Your particular skills or job role is no longer required

Your selection for redundancy must be done fairly. It cannot be based on your:

• Age

• Gender

• Disability

• If you are pregnant

Your employer should also act according to your contract and legal redundancy rights. An employer must:

• Make sure you’re consulted

• Follow the necessary selection process

• Give you the right notice period

What are your options after redundancy?

There are plenty of ways to get yourself back into employment following redundancy.

You could start by sending your CV around again, looking for another job in the same field you already have experience in.

Or you could start afresh and go down a new career path, retraining after your redundancy. The world is your oyster, and there are lots of training courses you can pursue to get you up to speed.

How easy is it to retrain after redundancy?

The ease of retraining after redundancy can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Industry demand: the ease of retraining after redundancy depends on the demand for skills in the chosen industry. Some sectors may have a higher demand for workers with certain skills, making it easier for them to find new opportunities

• Transferable skills: the presence of transferable skills can enhance the ease of retraining. If you possess skills that are applicable across different industries, you may have a broader range of retraining options

• Available resources: the availability of resources and support, such as government-funded training programmes and financial assistance, can impact the ease of retraining

• Location: the job market and demand for specific skills can vary by geographical location. It may be easier to retrain after redundancy in areas with a growing economy and demand for the desired skills

Luckily, there are lots of courses out there that you can complete. We can't promise the actual retraining will be easy though!

Retraining after redundancy: becoming a trade professional

If you decide to retrain after redundancy, one of the best places to start is choosing an industry you think you'll be good at.

If you're retraining to become a trade, there are lots of options. Could you train to be a gas engineer? A plumber? A carpenter? There are a wide range of courses you can do to kickstart your new career as a tradesperson.

One way to retrain after redundancy while gaining experience is to do an apprenticeship. Take a look at our guide to apprenticeships.

What trade courses are available?

There are so many options when it comes to retraining after redundancy including various trade courses.

You could consider training to become an electrician or instead train to be a gas engineer.

For even more information, we’ve got a whole guide on the top training courses available for tradespeople.

Pick a trade

The choice of trade professions is very wide. To help get you thinking, here are a dozen wide-ranging trades to consider:

• Appliance engineer

• Bricklayer

• Builder

• Carpenter

• Cleaner

• Fence installer

• Gardener

• Handyperson

• Joiner

• Kitchen fitter

• Locksmith

• Mobile mechanic

• Painter and decorator

• Plasterer

• Plumber

• Roofer

• Scaffolder

• Tiler

• Tree surgeon

• TV aerial installer

• Welder

• Window cleaner

If you're thinking of starting your own trade business, it's best to have a workable business plan.

How to start a trade business in the UK: Everything you need to know

Every budding trade-entrepreneur wonders how to start up a trade business. And then they usually go ahead and start one! To give you a head start on what's involved, check out this guide to start building your new business.

Learn more

Government funding for retraining after redundancy

You may be wondering what help is available if you're made redundant. Luckily, t here is some government support out there to help you.

This means you may not need to have all the cash up front if you're looking to retrain after being made redundant.

• You could get a long-term student loan from the government. Repayments can then be taken from your pay packet once you're well and truly back up on your feet

• You could get a grant or bursary that doesn't need to be paid back

• You can also claim benefits to cover you financially whilst you retrain

What redundancy training is available?

There are various options when it comes to retraining after redundancy in the UK.

• Government programmes: the UK government offers various initiatives and programmes to support individuals facing redundancy. For example, the National Careers Service, which provides career advice and guidance.

• Apprenticeships: these are structured training programmes that combine on-the-job training and classroom learning. They are available in various industries and can help individuals develop new skills

• Local colleges: many colleges and universities offer short-term courses and vocational training programmes. These can be tailored to specific industries.

• Retraining schemes: some retraining schemes are designed to help individuals switch careers by providing training in high-demand fields

Which redundancy training course should you choose?

Pick a redundancy retraining course that you think you'll be good at. You've got to enjoy the experience and know you can probably find work afterwards.

However, if you're worried about having to find work afterwards, an apprenticeship could be the best route for you to go down.

Take these steps to help you make a better-informed decision:

• Self-assessment: identify your skills, strengths, and areas where you need improvement. Also, assess your interests, values, and long-term career goals to determine which course aligns with your objectives

• Research in-demand skills: investigate the current job market and identify skills that are in high demand. Look for industries with growth potential and consider courses that align with those sought-after skills

• Industry certifications: many industries value specific certifications. Research the certifications relevant to your chosen field and consider courses that prepare you for these

Key takeaways

• Redundancy can be an opportunity to learn a new skill

• There are new opportunities to restart your career

• The law offers certain protection for people going through the redundancy process to ensure they are treated fairly

• Retraining after redundancy can be your route back into work

• Government funding might be available for this

• Becoming a professional tradesperson is another option after redundancy