In this current period of economic uncertainty and lack of job opportunities it is becoming more attractive than ever to learn a trade. There are many different fields of work that you can enter as a tradesman and acquiring a set of unique skills can set you up for a long and successful career within your chosen industry. 
It is often hard work to learn a trade as you will most likely have to serve an apprenticeship, go to college and in some cases pass exams. Once you have done all this then you will be free to work for someone, a company or even as your own boss and you can end up having an extremely lucrative and fulfilling career. Here are some of the different types of trades that are available for you to learn.
Electrician
As an electrician you will perform such tasks as wiring entire buildings, fixing domestic electrical problems and installing complex electrical appliances. This trade requires years of training and on the job experience. It can be a dangerous profession as of course if you make a mistake you will be running the risk of being electrocuted. It is also a very closely regulated profession as there are obvious safety issues involved as if you fail to perform the task correctly then you could be putting lives in danger. The dangerous nature of the job and strict regulations are weighed with an attractive typical salary and being an electrician is widely regarded as one of the most lucrative trades you can do.
Joiner
Like an electrician in order to become a joiner you will have to study and serve an apprenticeship under a fully qualified senior joiner. As a joiner you will be required to undertake a large variety of tasks such as laying down a wooden floor, hanging doors, constructing roofing material and basically fitting an out entire building’s wooden features. For this trade you must be good with your hands and with tools as you will be constantly adjusting the sizes and shape of the material that you will be using.
Welder
There are many operations that a welder will carry out on a daily basis from cutting and shaping metal materials to constructing an object through following a design process. What you will be designing can change on a daily basis and working as a welder requires a close eye for detail and concentration on the job at hand. To become a welder you will need to study the techniques involved with the role and obtain a certificate in welding.
Mechanic
Being a mechanic can be a very lucrative profession as there is always a high demand for someone who knows how to fix a car. Many of us rely very heavily on our cars but know very little about how they operate. Like the previous trades you will have to undergo extensive study and on the job training to become a fully qualified mechanic but once you do you can reap the rewards of a very challenging and varied profession.
Plumber
To become a plumber you will need to study the different aspects of the role which are taught in many different collages throughout the UK. You will also need to serve as an apprentice and pass industry examinations in order to become a certified plumber. Once you are qualified you can choose which of the many areas of plumbing you want to specialise in. You could focus on the installation and maintenance of household appliances such as showers, baths and washing machines or you could focus on more complex appliances such as boiler installation and maintenance. Plumbers are also required to fit out newly built buildings with quality pipes and water supplies. There is always a high demand for the services of plumbers as if you have a problem with the waterworks in your home it is not usually something that can be put off, it usually need to be dealt with straight away. Another aspect to plumbing that you may not have considered is fitting air conditioning and solar panel devices. This is an entirely different area that you could focus on. Heating, air conditioning and waterworks all fall under the trade of plumbing.
Sam Qam is a qualified plumber who used to specialise in boiler repair but has recently began working with solar companies in Edinburgh. He believes that learning a trade is the best solution for any young people who are out of work.