Providing essential services for homes, businesses and more, skilled trades are indispensable. But the way tradespeople work can vary widely, from employment type to the specific industries they serve.
Working in a trade usually offers a diverse range of work, from contracted work and freelance opportunities to full-time employment and more.
Not only does the way of working (or the hours) vary, but so does the type of tasks and locations worked. Sometimes the way of working will vary based on the type of job or specialism.
For example, you could be working domestically in homes, commercially in businesses, or a combination of both. You may work locally or travel further. You may also work in specialised fields for specific industries that require extra training and expertise.
With experience, there may also be opportunities in management and training later on in a trade career.
Understanding the opportunities available to plumbers, electricians, and other trades is crucial, especially if you’re thinking about a career in these industries. In this blog, we’ll explore the diverse opportunities out there…
For many traders and engineers, full-time employment provides stability and a consistent income in a dynamic industry. Full-time roles are common in larger companies that require ongoing maintenance, installation, or repair services.
These organisations manage thousands of properties, requiring a broad range of trades to maintain homes and communal areas. They often employ or contract:
Electricians – for rewiring, testing, and compliance checks.
Plumbers – handling leaks, boiler servicing, and central heating maintenance.
Carpenters & Joiners – repairing doors, windows, and structural woodwork.
Roofers – fixing leaks and ensuring insulation efficiency.
Groundworkers & Landscapers – maintaining outdoor communal areas.
These firms oversee office buildings, retail spaces, and large residential complexes. Their workforce includes:
HVAC Engineers – maintaining heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Security System Installers – managing access control and CCTV.
General Maintenance Technicians – handling routine repairs.
Cleaners & Janitorial Staff – keeping buildings sanitary and presentable.
Public sector buildings need constant upkeep to ensure safety and efficiency. Key trades include:
Gas Engineers – servicing commercial heating systems.
Electricians – maintaining lighting, alarms, and compliance with safety regulations.
Painters & Decorators – keeping interiors fresh and professional.
Specialist Trades – lift engineers, catering equipment repair, and fire safety specialists.
These businesses manage maintenance contracts for housing, commercial, or industrial clients. Their teams typically include:
Multi-skilled Operatives – able to handle plumbing, basic electrics, and general repairs.
Specialist Engineers – focusing on HVAC, gas, or industrial electrical systems.
Surveyors & Compliance Inspectors – ensuring work meets legal and safety standards.
Companies managing gas, water, electricity, and transport infrastructure rely on:
High Voltage Electricians – working on power grids and substations.
Gas Network Engineers – maintaining pipelines and metering systems.
Civil Engineers & Groundworkers – repairing roads, bridges, and water mains.
Smaller maintenance firms service both commercial and residential properties. They employ:
General Handymen – fixing minor electrical, plumbing, and carpentry issues.
Emergency Repair Technicians – handling urgent faults and breakdowns.
Building Fabric Technicians – ensuring property structures are sound.
Self-Employed Tradespeople
Independent professionals often specialize in one trade but may offer multi-trade services. Common self-employed trades include:
Electricians & Gas Engineers – taking on domestic and commercial jobs.
Plumbers & Heating Engineers – servicing homes and businesses.
Joiners & Carpenters – working on furniture, renovations, and bespoke fittings.
In addition to working for commercial specialists across different locations or in-house at places such as manufacturing plants, there are also opportunities with companies that provide multiple trade work for both homes and businesses.
We are one such company, and at Able Group we offer a variety of roles including:
Not only that but we specialise in seven trades including:
Plus, we operate nationwide in order to provide local work and emergency work across the country.
Learn more about working for us here.
Contract work is a popular choice among traders who prefer flexibility or wish to focus on specialised projects. Contracts can range from short-term agreements for a single project to longer engagements spanning months or even years.
Self-employment offers the ultimate flexibility for tradespeople who want to be their own boss. Tradespeople find and negotiate their own jobs, often working directly with homeowners, small businesses, or other contractors.
Many traders choose to focus on a specific niche or industry, allowing them to develop expertise and command higher rates.
For those new to a trade, apprenticeships are an essential first step. Apprentices work under experienced tradespeople to learn the craft while earning a wage. This is often part of the process of becoming certified or licensed and while studying for a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships vary in length, depending on the profession.
Tradespeople are often employed by local councils, utility providers, or government agencies to maintain public infrastructure.
Experienced tradespeople sometimes transition into teaching roles, more commonly training apprentices or offering workshops to share their expertise.
With lots of opportunities available to each trade, it’s all about finding the one that matches your preferred work style and level of experience you have.
Able Group caters to several working preferences for a wide selection of trades, so get in touch with us on 0330 108 4111 or visit our careers page to learn more about our opportunities.