Are you liking the idea of looking for a part time job that is also a skilled trade?
In the UK, there is often talk of a skills shortage, particularly in some industries like engineering and construction.
In fact, the government has recently launched an initiative to attract more people into the construction industry so that their targets for building new homes around the nation can be met.
Learning new skills – and in many cases, gaining nationally recognised qualifications – can stand you in good stead in the future for landing jobs, including those on a part time basis.
Your skilled trade can also take you on to further study for professional qualifications if that’s what you want to do.
And, of course, transferable skills that you will develop whilst working in your skilled trade will mean you will be able to apply them to other roles if you want a change of direction in your career.
Many roles that are skilled trades are also entry level so there’s no need to think you can’t get a part time job in a skilled trade just because you have no previous experience.
When you work in a skilled trade, you can learn on the job and some roles will also give you the opportunity to go to a college or other learning / training centre where you can learn and study the theory around your trade.
For some of you, this can be done by way of an apprenticeship and in other roles, you might be trained by your employer and be given the opportunity to gain qualifications when your employer thinks you are ready.
There is such a variety of skilled trades out there that there is more than likely something to suit you.
So, if you are looking for a challenge and / or a change of career path, let’s take a look at some of the skilled trades out there in the UK.
Construction & Building Trades
As this sector is currently an area of focus for the British government, let’s start off with the construction and building trades.
Bricklayer
A bricklayer lays bricks, concrete blocks and other materials to build or repair walls, foundations and other structures.
This is an entry level role and, obviously, you will need to take into account the fact that you are going to be working outdoors for most of the time in different types of weather and temperatures. You will also need to be relatively physically fit.
Whilst you might be able to find bricklaying jobs locally, you may also need to be prepared to travel, depending on the company you are working for.
Carpenter / Joiner
A carpenter or joiner works with wood to construct, install and repair building frameworks, staircases, doors, windows and furniture.
You might be working on construction sites but if you are a carpenter who likes to make furniture or ornamental pieces, you could use your skills to build a side hustle for yourself.
Plasterer
An entry level role for getting into the construction industry, a plasterer applies plaster to walls and ceilings to create a smooth or decorative surface.
As a plasterer, you could be working on construction sites, commercial buildings or in people’s private homes, depending on the company you are working for.
Becoming a plasterer can also give you the opportunity to set up on your own and be self-employed.
Roofer
There are lots of types of roofing jobs out there where you will be responsible for placing and carrying out repairs on roofs using materials such as tiles, slates and metal sheeting.
As you might expect, as a roofer, you need to have a good head for heights and be physically fit. You also need to be happy working outdoors in both summer and winter.
Whilst you could be working in all types of weather, roofing is a job where you can get rained off so there could be days where you are not earning any money.
Painter & Decorator
There are lots of people who have a busy lifestyle these days and they don’t have time to paint and decorate their home.
Of course, there are also lots of people who are unable to do their own painting and decorating either because of a disability – or because they are just not very good at it.
A painter and decorator prepares and paints interior and exterior surfaces as well as applying wallpaper. As you become more experienced, you might become more of an expert in different finishes and applying special coatings.
Scaffolder
Again, part time scaffolding jobs are not going to be good for those of you who have a fear of heights or who don’t want to be working outdoors all of the time. If you love getting up high, however and you love working in the great outdoors, this could be the perfect job for you!
A scaffolder erects and dismantles scaffolding for construction and maintenance projects, ensuring safety and access.
Groundworker
A groundworker prepares building sites by clearing and excavating land, laying foundations and installing drainage systems.
Glazier
A glazier installs glass in windows, doors and other structures. Glaziers work with different types of glass and materials used for frames.
Tiler
If you’ve done some DIY tiling in the past and are impressed with your efforts, you might want to consider becoming a tiler.
Depending on where you are working, you will be working with different types of tiles such as ceramic, stone or mosaic tiles. These are places on walls and floors in residential and commercial properties.
Floor Layer
As a floor layer, you will lay carpets, vinyl, laminate and wooden flooring in homes, offices and other properties.
Electrical & Mechanical Trades
There are lots of skilled roles within the electrical and mechanical trades. Let’s take a look at some of the main roles you could consider.
Many roles within this area are those where there is a skills shortage so qualifying in these areas means your skills should be in demand and there will be lots of work out there for you.
For some trades, you will be able to do an Apprenticeship at a level to suit your experience.
Electrician
An electrician installs, maintains and repairs electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
Where you work would depend on your employer bıt you should be prepared to work in a variety of locations. Whilst not essentşal, holding a driving licence would be beneficial to you as an electrician, especially if you are hoping to work for yourself.
You can train as an electrician with your employer and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Plumber
A plumber installs and repairs piping systems for water supply, drainage, heating and sanitation. Again, you can expect to be working in a variety of locations.
Plumbers are always in high demand in the UK.
Engineering & Manufacturing Trades
This is a wide area and there are many trades you could learn and work in. Here are some of the main ones.
Welder
A welder uses high heat to melt and fuse metal components together in the construction and manufacturing industry.
The role of the welder is important because they fabricate and repair metal structures, components and buildings. And the good news is, skilled welders are in high demand in the UK.
Fabricator
A fabricator builds metal structures and components from raw materials based on technical drawings. Some fabricators also work with other materials, too.
A fabricator needs to be able to show excellent attention to detail so if you enjoy cutting, shaping, joining and finishing – and getting the fine points right – becoming a fabricator might be the ideal path for you.
Toolmaker
Specialised tools and machinery are used in manufacturing to make the process as smooth and as streamlined as possible. But someone needs to make those tools.
A skilled toolmaker crafts tools, dies and special guiding and holding devices used in manufacturing.
Mechanical Fitter
A mechanical fitter assembles, installs and maintains mechanical machinery in industrial settings such as manufacturing and production.
Gas Engineer
A gas engineer specialises in the installation, maintenance and safety inspection of gas appliances and systems.
As with previous trades mentioned in this section, as a gas engineer, you could be on the road a lot of the time as you travel to different locations for work.
Lift Engineer
There are lots of buildings and outlets that have lifts and escalators to help people get from floor to floor or to move quicker between points using a travelator.
As a lift engineer, you will install, test and maintain lifts, escalators, travelators and other automated moving systems.
Expect to be working in a whole host of environments from office blocks to shopping centres, airports and hotels.
Vehicle & Transport Trades
Building, maintaining, driving – whatever you like doing, the vehicle and transport trades could have something to suit you.
Vehicle Technician (Mechanic)
A vehicle mechanic diagnoses and repairs cars and light commercial vehicles. As well as the mechanical elements of vehicles, there are also computer systems that work according to manufacturer specifications.
Depending on the type of garage you work in, mechanics might work for one particular manufacturer or you might work for an independent garage that carries our general repairs and replacements on various types of cars and light vehicles.
Heavy Vehicle Technician
And if you prefer the larger vehicles on the road, a heavy vehicle technician specialises in maintenance and repair of lorries, buses and other heavy vehicles.
HGV Driver (Class 1 and 2)
If you love being behind the wheel and you like to drive long distances, HGV drivers are currently very much in demand in the UK.
HGV drivers operate heavy goods vehicles for transporting goods nationally or internationally so for some deliveries, you are required to be away from home overnight or for longer periods.
Rail Engineering Technician
The rail engineering technician has a broad job description and you can do an Apprenticeship or other training courses to help you specialise.
You might physically maintain and repair rail infrastructure and rolling stock (trains) or you could be part of a team that carries out fault finding and diagnosis to prevent or address equipment failures.
Beauty Industry Skilled Trades
Obviously, skilled trades are not only about engineering and manufacturing. There are lots of other skilled trades out there that lend themselves well to part time work, working from home and being self-employed as well as working for others.
The beauty industry is an area where there are many skilled trades available.
Beauty Therapist
A beauty therapist provides a range of treatments such as facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and massage.
As you progress in your career, you might also offer advanced skin treatments and holistic therapies.
There are different specialist career paths you can follow as a beauty therapist and you can work out of a dedicated salon or in centres that offer retreats, for example.
Depending on where you live and the zoning laws of your local council, you could even set up your beauty therapy business in your own home.
Hairdresser / Hairstylist
A hairdresser cuts, colours and styles hair. Hairdressing is good for those looking to get into the hair and beauty industry at entry level where you can train up over years and eventually specialise in areas like barbering, colouring, scalp treatments or bridal styling.
As a hairdresser, you could work from a salon either as an employee or you can rent a chair within one or more salons.
Some hairdressers also do mobile hairdressing. This can be good for those of you looking to work hours that you can choose and are more convenient for you.
Nail Technician
A nail technician designs and applies false nails, nail art and carries out treatments like manicures and pedicures.
You will also be filing nails, cleaning and polishing along with repairing false nails as well as applying them.
Nail art can be done with coloured varnish, coloured transfers, gems and glitter.
Make-up Artist
A make-up artist applies makeup for clients for events, film/TV, fashion or for special events such as weddings.
Some make-up artists go on to specialise in special effects makeup for theatre and other performances.
Massage Therapist
If you love to get a massage and feel the positive effects of them, why not consider helping others by becoming a massage therapist?
A massage therapist uses manual techniques to manipulate soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress and improve circulation.
There are lots of different types of massages and you can choose which areas to specialise in.
Skilled Trades Within The Care Sector
If you want to make a difference to the lives of those who need a helping hand in life then working in skilled trades within the care sector could be hugely rewarding for you.
Here are just a few of the roles you could work part time. Some are entry level roles whilst others will need experience or qualifications that you can work towards.
Care Worker / Care Assistant
A care worker supports people with daily living activities in homes, residential care facilities or within the community.
A care worker has various duties depending on the people they are looking after but some roles will need you to be able to help with personal care, meal prep and sometimes offer companionship for those living alone.
Support Worker
A support worker assists people with disabilities, mental health conditions or learning difficulties to live independently and participate in society.
Support workers are sometimes required to support people in sheltered accommodation, staying overnight on occasion.
Home Carer
There are lots of people in the UK who need a helping hand but who don’t necessarily want to be in a care home. Those who choose to stay at home need a home carer to visit them in their homes to provide personal care, companionship and domestic support such as cleaning and meal prep.
Nursery Practitioner / Early Years Educator
From older people to those just starting out on their life journey. If you want to work with young children, you could consider training as a nursery practitioner.
A nursery practitioner provides care and education to children aged 0–5, focusing on development, play and early learning.
Get Started
These are just a few of the skilled trades out there where you could train for qualifications and work in a rewarding role. If you would like to work in one of the industries mentioned but can’t see the exact type of job you would like, do some research around that trade to see what other types of roles you could do.
You might want to consider skilled roles in cooking or gardening, for example.
If you already have some experience and / or qualifications and you know which skilled trade you would like to work in, take a look at current vacancies on offer to see if there is anything to suit your needs.
