“With AI taking over, now is definitely the time”: advice for school leavers wanting to learn a trade

With young people receiving their GCSE results this week, TradesTalk – the weekly social media chat for tradespeople – asked its community what they would say to any of them considering learning a trade as their next step, and the responses were enlightening.

Choosing a trade as a career is being discussed more than ever, as employers, government and young people confront both the scale of the UK’s skills shortage and the rise of AI. The need for skilled tradespeople grows and there is greater awareness of alternatives to university that could secure an AI-proof career.

But what would advice would those in the trades give to teenagers considering training to join the construction trades?

Here is a selection of the responses to the question “what would you say to any school leavers thinking about learning a trade?”:

“Do it. Find local trade support. Listen. Stick with it. Be prepared to fail, be aware that’s how you learn. It won’t be easy but if you listen, learn, practice and perfect, you will always have an option to earn.”

“As my mum told me when I left the Army, learn a trade, you’ll always have a job. I’ve done lots of different work but I’ve always had being a sparky to fall back on.”

“You have to be prepared to work hard and take the rough with the smooth BUT being in the trade is worth all the heart ache. Just think you can be one of the skilled few who can make customers’ dreams become a reality!”

“Study and be prepared to graft. It’s a never ending learning profession. Be really enjoyable one if you work for and with the correct people.”

“With AI taking over, now is definitely the time. I’ve told the kids as soon as they are old enough they are out on the tools in the holidays. If they want to go to uni, that’s up to them, but at least there is something to fall back on if needs be.”

“Construction is wonderful, creating something with your hands is amazing. Get out there and feel the power!”