Trades Opportunities
Trades Apprenticeships
Trades apprenticeships are among the most in-demand in the UK. From light vehicle technician at a dealership to electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, and welding, every listing here is pulled directly from the official GOV.UK apprenticeship database and updated hourly. Level 3 is the most common route for trades (equivalent to 2 A-levels), and most come with a paid wage from day one.
Live Trades roles
View allMotor Vehicle Technician / Mechanic
TJ Hamilton
Light Vehicle Technician
Mercedes-Benz of Taunton (Van Aftersales)
Apprentice Plumber Heating Gas Plumbing Apprenticeship
Whitfield Plumbing & Heating
Light Vehicle Technician
DUMMY RETAILER
CARPENTERS FARM SHOP - BUTCHER APPRENTICE
CARPENTERS FARM BUTCHERS
Plumbing and Heating apprentice
GAS SAFE BRISTOL LTD
Light Vehicle Apprentice
Trossachs Motor Engineer LTD
Light Vehicle Apprentice Technician
Prestige Car Specialists Scotland -Mercedes, BMW and Audi
Apprentice Highways Electrician
United Infrastructure
About Trades apprenticeships
Entry requirements
Most trades apprenticeships require GCSEs at grade 3–4 in English and Maths, though some employers accept equivalent functional skills qualifications. Physical fitness and an interest in practical, hands-on work are important. No prior trade experience is usually required for Level 2 starts.
Typical salary
Trades apprenticeship pay varies by employer, location, level, and the applicable apprentice minimum wage. Check each live listing for the stated salary and confirm the current statutory minimum on GOV.UK before applying. Electrician and plumbing apprentices commonly see pay rise as they progress and qualify.
Top employers
Major trades apprenticeship employers include Toyota, Volkswagen Group, BMW, Speedy Hire, British Gas (Centrica), Vaillant, Travis Perkins, Kier Group, Galliford Try, and thousands of independent trade businesses recruiting through the GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship service.
Career progression
A Level 3 trades apprenticeship typically leads to City & Guilds or EAL certification plus registration with a relevant trade body (NICEIC for electricians, CIPHE for plumbers). Qualified tradespeople in the UK earn £35,000–£55,000, with self-employed sole traders often earning significantly more.
Frequently asked questions
What trades apprenticeships are available in the UK in 2026?▾
UK trades apprenticeships include motor vehicle service and maintenance technician (Level 3), electrical installation (Level 3), plumbing and heating (Level 3), bricklaying (Level 2), carpentry and joinery (Level 2–3), welding (Level 2–3), painting and decorating (Level 2), and refrigeration and air conditioning (Level 3).
How much do trades apprentices earn in the UK?▾
Trades apprentices must receive at least the applicable apprentice minimum wage, but many employers pay more. Pay depends on the employer, location, programme level, hours, and progress through the apprenticeship. Check the salary on each live listing and the current GOV.UK minimum-wage guidance before applying.
Do I need GCSEs to start a trades apprenticeship?▾
Most trades apprenticeships require GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 3–4 (or grade D and above in the old system), though some employers accept Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 as an equivalent. No prior trade experience is usually required, the apprenticeship provides all the training.
How long does a trades apprenticeship take?▾
Most Level 2 trades apprenticeships take 12–18 months to complete. Level 3 apprenticeships (the most common for electricians, plumbers, and motor vehicle technicians) typically take 2–4 years, including college study and on-the-job training. The End-Point Assessment (EPA) determines final qualification.
What qualifications do I get from a trades apprenticeship?▾
Completing a trades apprenticeship leads to a nationally recognised qualification, typically an NVQ or City & Guilds certificate at the relevant level. Electricians gain an AM2 assessment pass required for NICEIC/NAPIT registration. Plumbers receive Unvented Hot Water Systems certification. Gas apprentices gain ACS gas safe certification.