Explore routes into resilient work.

Install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses and construction. EV chargers, heat pumps and solar are adding new work.

Typical salary

£25k–£50k+

Training time

1–2 yrs

Repair pipework and fit water and heating systems. Much of the work involves diagnosing faults in occupied buildings.

Typical salary

£24k–£46k+

Training time

1–2 yrs

Build, fit and repair timber structures. Site work and bespoke joinery both require accurate practical skills.

Typical salary

£25k–£45k

Training time

1–3 yrs

Join metals for construction, automotive and manufacturing. Specialist welders earn significantly more.

Typical salary

£24k–£42k+

Training time

6–18 months

Install and repair roofs. Physical, outdoor work with strong earning potential for self-employed roofers.

Typical salary

£26k–£42k+

Training time

6–18 months

Install and service gas appliances and heating systems. Gas Safe registration required. Excellent self-employment rates.

Typical salary

£28k–£55k+

Training time

1–2 yrs

Cut and style hair while building a regular client base. The work combines practical technique, taste and customer relationships.

Typical salary

£19k–£40k+

Training time

3–12 months

Provide skincare, nail, lash or massage treatments. Repeat business depends on technique, care and client confidence.

Typical salary

£18k–£35k+

Training time

3–12 months

Create permanent body art with close attention to design, hygiene, skin and client consent.

Typical salary

£20k–£50k+

Training time

1–3 yrs (apprenticeship)

Coach clients individually or in groups. The job combines exercise knowledge, observation and accountability.

Typical salary

£20k–£45k+

Training time

6–12 weeks

Support people with daily living, health needs and independence. Employers often provide entry training.

Typical salary

£20k–£28k

Training time

1–3 months

Assist dentists, manage patients, handle clinical equipment. Clean environment, stable hours, clear career ladder.

Typical salary

£22k–£30k

Training time

12–18 months

Support people with mental health challenges in clinical and community settings. The role depends on judgement, patience and trust.

Typical salary

£22k–£32k

Training time

3–6 months

Move goods between depots, businesses and customers. Drivers also manage loads, paperwork and site conditions.

Typical salary

£28k–£45k+

Training time

2–8 weeks

Last-mile delivery. Low barrier to entry, flexible scheduling, self-employment options.

Typical salary

£22k–£35k+

Training time

Immediate

Run store operations, manage teams and resolve customer or delivery problems. Training is often provided at work.

Typical salary

£22k–£40k

Training time

Immediate to 6 months

Prepare food and run a safe, organised service. The work combines timing, judgement and coordination with a team.

Typical salary

£22k–£45k+

Training time

3–12 months

Manage guests, staff and daily operations in hotels or venues. Much of the job is problem-solving in real time.

Typical salary

£24k–£45k+

Training time

3–12 months

Plant and maintain outdoor spaces, or build landscaping projects. Self-employment is common.

Typical salary

£20k–£35k+

Training time

Immediate to 6 months

Inspect properties, identify infestations and carry out safe treatments. Entry training can be relatively short.

Typical salary

£22k–£35k

Training time

2–4 weeks

Protect people, property and events. Most frontline roles require the relevant SIA licence.

Typical salary

£22k–£35k+

Training time

2–6 weeks (SIA)

Inspect buildings, assess risk and help organisations meet fire safety duties. The work combines regulation and site judgement.

Typical salary

£28k–£45k

Training time

3–12 months