How does it work?

Trade-Up has been created to tackle the growing shortfall of tradespeople needed to drive growth and meet the country’s future goals. But it’s also about making the switch less daunting for you, especially as you’ll likely be moving from a completely different sector.

This isn’t just a skilled jobs list for those with a passing interest in construction or trades, but instead an end-to-end process for people who want to change career, learn a new trade and move into a role with lasting success.

So, how does it work?

Find a Local Course

 

First of all, you’ll need to explore the Trade-Up website to browse through all the courses offered by our training partners. We have listings for all the major trades as well as more specialised roles. This includes electrician, builder and plumber, and many other key trades.

Trade-Up’s credible, experienced partners are helping to shape a community that empowers dream-makers. An advocate for adult learners, Trade-Up is the support arm connecting individuals to seasoned industry experts, making it easy to find a training provider near you in a matter of seconds. Once accepted, you’ll study at one of our local centres. Course content will vary depending on the chosen trade, but you’ll visit your local centre as you get the basics under your belt.

Getting Hands-On Experience

 

Trade careers are great because they get you away from a desk. The same applies when you’re learning new skills. That’s why we’ve opened up our courses to the Checkatrade directory, allowing you to find relevant work experience with a trusted business.

Through this scheme, you can shadow skilled professionals to learn in a real-world environment. Supervision will help you develop quicker and gain the documents necessary to become a legally qualified tradesperson. New electricians, for example, can use their work experience as evidence when applying for Certsure.

Moving into Your New Role

 

When you’re close to completing your course, Trade-Up will guide you through a portal with the support of a dedicated recruitment agency. The agency will advise each candidate carefully, no matter which employment route is chosen.

This includes:

  • Joining an existing local tradesperson or small business
  • Joining a large regional construction or trade business
  • Setting up your own trade business so you can be your own boss

For candidates interested in being their own boss, an additional ‘business in a box’ course is available. This includes practical advice and tips for those setting up a small trade for the first time.

We recognise it can be tricky changing roles, not least when moving into a completely new industry. These steps have been designed to make the transition as straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on your training and career. If you have any questions about Trade-Up, contact us now.