In the UK, numerous organisations are dedicated to supporting individuals who wish to learn a trade or craft. Whether you’re looking to pursue a practical career or develop a new skill, these organisations offer the resources and guidance to help you succeed. Many people search for ways to learn plumbing online or find carpentry courses, as these trades remain highly sought after due to their long-term career prospects. Electrical work is another popular field, with individuals often looking for information on how to become a qualified electrician through apprenticeships or specialist training.

Organisations such as City & Guilds and the National Apprenticeship Service provide industry-recognised qualifications and training programmes. If you’re interested in joinery courses or other craftsmanship skills, these institutions offer plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience and certification. Additionally, for those pursuing creative professions, culinary arts courses or beauty therapy qualifications are available to help individuals hone their skills and build a successful career.

For anyone considering a shift into a trade career, there are numerous options to explore, from building to furniture designing each offering the chance to develop a specialised skill set. By choosing the right training provider, aspiring professionals can confidently take the next step in their careers. Whether you’re searching for practical apprenticeships or flexible online learning options, the UK’s wealth of training organisations is ready to guide you towards success in your chosen trade or craft.

Apprenticeships

The Guild of Master Craftsmen encourages learning in the skilled trades and crafts. With that as a key objective, we actively encourage our members to offer apprenticeships to young people.

For those who would prefer not to study full-time but want to start earning and learning, there is the option of work-based learning. This gives the chance for them to gain a qualification whilst working.

Apprenticeships are a way for young people (aged 16-24) to continue to learn while they are working and gain National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). These qualifications are recognised by all UK employers and are an ideal way to kick-start your career or get a better job.

We also support The London Apprenticeship Company’s new schemes. For more information about these, please visit:

www.londonapprenticeship.co.uk

More information about apprenticeship schemes is available here:

www.gov.uk/browse/education/find-course

Education and training

City & Guilds

The leading vocational awarding body in the UK, awarding almost 50% of all National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s). To help you find the right qualifications for your chosen trade or craft & your nearest college, call 0207 294 2800 or 0844 543 0033 or visit: www.cityandguilds.co.uk

The Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Music, Performing, Literary and Visual Arts

An industry-led organisation which influences the supply of education and skills across the UK.  Visit www.ssda.org.uk 

Education Scotland

Information and resources on courses and qualifications for secondary schools and further education colleges in Scotland. Visit www.education.gov.scot 

HNC / HND

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) are higher education qualifications recognised throughout the UK. For BTEC qualifications awarded by Pearsons, visit www.qualifications.pearson.com

Learndirect

Free, impartial information and advice on over 500,000 courses nationwide, in computer and office skills and self-development, all tailored to suit your needs. Visit www.learndirect.co.uk

National Careers Service

Information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities, supported by qualified careers advisers. Visit www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

The Open University

Learn something new or update your existing skills. Part-time courses tailored to fit in around your other commitments, with 13 regional centres and 350 study centres across the UK and Ireland. Visit www.open.ac.uk

William Morris Craft Fellowships

Founded in 1987, the Fellowships are an advanced training programme in building conservation for young qualified craftspeople, awarded each year by The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Visit www.spab.org.uk

Specialist colleges and societies

Boat Building Academy

Based in Dorset, the academy offers various courses in traditional boat building, leading to a level three City & Guilds qualification. Visit www.boatbuildingacademy.com

The Camelia Botnar Foundation

A charitable foundation set up to help and educate under-21-year-olds with special needs, in order to develop their physical and mental capabilities for a better life and as members of society. Visit www.cameliabotnar.com

Capel Manor College

Specialising in horse studies and animal care, as well as horticulture and landscaping. Visit www.capel.ac.uk

Chichester College

Offers a broad spectrum of BTEC, GNVQ, NVQ and assorted trade skill courses. Visit www.chichester.ac.uk

Falmouth Marine School

Specially designed boat building courses resembling a real working environment. Students are expected to build their own Cornish lugger and launch it within the first year! Visit www.cornwall.ac.uk

Guildford College (Merrist Wood Campus)

Offers courses in Animal Care, Arboriculture, Countryside Management, Equine Studies, Floristry, Garden Design, Golf Studies, Sports Turf, Horticulture and Landscaping. Visit www.merristwood.ac.uk

International Boat Building Training College

Based in Suffolk the college offers a full-time one year practical boat building course. Visit www.ibtc.co.uk

London College of Fashion

Courses ranging from fashion design and technology, management and marketing to communication, promotion and image creation. Visit www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

The National Heritage Training Group (NHTG)

Provides help and assistance with all aspects of recruiting, training and qualifying the UK’s construction workforce in traditional building skills. Visit www.nhtg.org.uk

Pembrokeshire College

Providing online courses and practical workshops with fully qualified and experienced tutors. Including boat building, welding, brickwork and carpentry. Visit www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Portsmouth Highbury College

One of the largest providers of apprenticeships in Hampshire and the South East. Full and part-time courses in a range of subjects for school leavers, adults and businesses. Visit www.highbury.ac.uk

SHE Management (UK) Ltd

Based in Kent, this Health, Safety & Environmental management company run NEBOSH courses in Occupational H&S and Fire Safety, and CITB Site Safety courses. Visit www.shemanagement.com

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)

Specialist vocational courses for professionals & homeowners. Visit www.spab.org.uk

Southampton City College

Offers a broad spectrum of BTEC, GNVQ, NVQ and assorted trade skill courses. Visit www.southampton-city.ac.uk

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

Offer courses throughout the year in traditional artisan crafts and skills. Visit www.wealddown.co.uk

West Dean College

Specialist courses in visual arts, applied arts, conservation, clock, crafts, photography, metalwork, music, gardening, garden design and tapestry. Visit www.westdean.org.uk

Helpful organisations

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

The leading professional body for managers of construction companies, both in the UK and internationally. The CIOB leads the way in establishing, promoting and maintaining standards of excellence for builders in the construction industry for the benefit of customers, clients, and building companies. Visit www.ciob.org.uk

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPHE)

A registered educational charity for plumbers, whose prime objective is to improve the practice and principles of heating engineering and plumbing companies. Visit www.ciphe.org.uk

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

Provides assistance in all aspects of recruiting, training and qualifying the construction workforce, and works in partnership with both industry and government to improve the competitiveness of the industry as a whole. Visit www.citb.org.uk

The Crafts Council

Provides support for professionals within the craft sector, encouraging makers and curators to be ambitious and expand their artistic, technological and geographical horizons to deliver the highest quality work to the widest audiences. The Crafts Council also delivers events and exhibitions. Visit www.craftscouncil.org.uk

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB)

Providing information about careers and training in the UK engineering construction industry. Visit www.ecitb.org.uk

English Heritage

Providing a range of online and offline resources to help you learn more about the historic environment. There is also a job page available, if you are already skilled and interested in working for English Heritage. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

The Gas Safe Register

Inspects and regulates the work of gas engineers in Great Britain. This scheme replaces the CORGI register, which is no longer recognised. Visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Glass Qualification Authority (GQA)

Information on training and qualifications for the glass and glazing industry in the UK. Visit www.gqaqualifications.com

Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET)

A charitable organisation supporting professional development and registration for those already in the trade. Advice, information and support for professionals, recent graduates and students – including a database of vacancies. Visit www.theiet.org.uk

The National Trust

Has a dedicated Conservation, Heritage & Learning page for those looking for information on conservation and traditional skills. There is also a job search facility available if you would like to work for The National Trust. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

The National Trust for Scotland

The conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage and is one of the largest conservation charities in Scotland. Their education department helps learners of all ages to access The Trust and its resources. Visit www.nts.org.uk.