CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WEEKLY EARNINGS 13 per cent HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE
Posted by: electime 19th August 2024
Construction jobs offer average £761 weekly earnings, 13 per cent higher vs. national average- Checkatrade, the UK’s leading home improvement platform, encourages students to explore careers in construction by highlighting the best-paid trade apprenticeships
With GCSE results day looming next week, students across the UK are bracing themselves for their eagerly anticipated exam outcomes. While many will be setting their sights on college, Checkatrade, the UK’s leading home improvement platform, is encouraging students to consider careers in the construction and home services industry by applying for a trade apprenticeship, highlighting the potential earnings on offer in this sector.
As of May 2024, the average weekly earnings in the construction sector are £761, surpassing the national earnings average of £676 by 13 per cent. Today, Checkatrade reveals insights into some of the highest-paid trade apprenticeships in the UK to highlight the career possibilities within construction and inspire the next generation of tradespeople.
Below are the top-earning trade apprenticeships and their average annual salaries during training:
- Roofer apprenticeships: £24,611
- Plastering apprenticeships: £19,000
- Plumbing apprenticeships: £18,199
- Electrician apprenticeships: £17,759
- Carpenter apprenticeships: £16,428
With earnings in the construction sector outstripping the average wage, a career in construction can be highly rewarding. Trade apprenticeships offer practical experience and nationally recognised qualifications, significantly boosting career prospects. Notably, apprenticeship success rates have remained stable at 93 per cent over the last five years, with many apprentices staying on with their employers after qualifying – a brilliant training-to-employment pipeline.
Unlike traditional university programs, apprenticeships don’t require tuition fees, making them a cost-effective choice. Apprentices earn a salary while enjoying employee rights such as breaks, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), and flexible working hours. This combination of hands-on work and formal training helps apprentices gain new skills and apply them in real-world settings, all while avoiding student debt.
Jambu Palaniappan, CEO at Checkatrade, commented: “With results day just around the corner, we want to remind students that university isn’t the only route to a successful career. Apprenticeships in construction offer a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, without the burden of tuition fees. The construction sector is booming, however with industry skills shortages rife, and Government housebuilding and retrofit targets looming, it’s imperative that we raise awareness of these critical careers, “
Testimonial from Rachel, a 25-year old plumber from Flintshire in Wales: “Once I had completed my GCSEs, I knew I didn’t want to return to school to do my A-Levels and I didn’t want to go to university. I did well in school, but it just wasn’t the right environment for me. I wanted to do something practical I had never done before.
I started a Level 1 plumbing course in college. As soon as the course began, we were encouraged to look into apprenticeships. I sent out a CV and cover letter to local plumbing firms and I got an apprenticeship with a small local business. I still work with the same company almost 10 years later.
The knowledge and skills you gain by working in the construction industry is something you’ll never lose and will help you through every part of your life.”
