Training & Certifications
Staying up to date with the latest certifications and training is essential for tradesmen looking to maintain compliance, improve their skills, and gain a competitive edge. This section provides valuable information on industry-recognised qualifications, specialist training courses, and legal requirements to help you stay ahead in your trade. Whether you’re looking to get certified for the first time or renew an existing qualification, these resources will guide you through the process.
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Industry-Recognised Certifications
Boost your credibility and stay compliant with essential trade certifications. These qualifications not only ensure you meet industry standards but also increase trust with clients and open up more job opportunities. Below are key certifications across various trades, including costs and renewal requirements.
Gas Safe Registration
Required for: Gas engineers working in the UK.
Covers: Safe installation, servicing, and maintenance of gas appliances.
Cost: From £365 for registration, plus additional fees for assessments.
Renewal: Annually, with reassessment required every 5 years.
City & Guilds
Required for: Various trade professionals, including electricians, plumbers, and builders.
Covers: Hands-on training and formal certification in trade-specific skills.
Cost: From £500 - £3,000, depending on the course level.
Renewal: Not required, but additional training may be needed for updates.
NICEIC
Required for: Electricians looking to certify their work and comply with UK wiring regulations.
Covers: Electrical installations, Part P compliance, and periodic inspections.
Cost: From £495 per year (varies by scheme).
Renewal: Annually, with ongoing assessments.
CSCS Card
Required for: Construction workers needing proof of health and safety training.
Covers: Site safety awareness, health risks, and trade-specific skills.
Cost: From £36 for the card, plus £22.50 for the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test.
Renewal: Every 5 years, with retesting required.
Trade-Specific Training Courses
Advance your skills and stay competitive with specialised training courses tailored to different trades. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, builder, or carpenter, these courses help you gain new qualifications, meet regulatory requirements, and keep your skills up to date. Below are four UK-based providers offering both in-person and online training.
Able Skills
Trades Covered: Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, plastering, gas engineering, and more.
Course Types: Beginner to advanced courses, NVQs, and City & Guilds qualifications.
Cost: From £250 for short courses to £6,000+ for full NVQ qualifications.
Format: In-person at their Dartford training centre.
The Builder Training Centre
Trades Covered: Plumbing, electrical work, tiling, bricklaying, and plastering.
Course Types: Hands-on, intensive training with City & Guilds certifications.
Cost: From £200 for short courses to £3,000+ for full certifications.
Format: In-person at their Croydon-based training centre.
Trade Skills 4U
Trades Covered: Electrical training, including 18th Edition, PAT testing, and renewable energy courses.
Course Types: CPD, NVQs, City & Guilds certifications.
Cost: From £150 for CPD courses to £4,500+ for full NVQs.
Format: In-person at training centres across the UK, with some online options.
Construction Industry Training Board
Trades Covered: Construction-related skills, including health and safety, management training, and specialist trade skills.
Course Types: CPD, NVQs, and government-backed qualifications.
Cost: From £100 for CPD courses to £2,500+ for specialist trade training.
Format: Online and in-person training available across the UK.
Health & Safety Training
Health and safety training is essential for tradespeople to ensure compliance with UK regulations and maintain a safe working environment. From asbestos awareness to manual handling, these courses provide the necessary knowledge and certifications required by law. Below are four UK-based providers offering both online and in-person training.
British Safety Council
Courses Covered: Asbestos awareness, working at heights, manual handling, fire safety, first aid, and more.
Accreditations: IOSH, NEBOSH, and CITB-recognised training.
Cost: From £20 for short awareness courses to £1,500+ for advanced qualifications.
Format: Online and in-person training across the UK.
Phoenix Health & Safety
Courses Covered: NEBOSH, IOSH, CITB, first aid, fire safety, risk assessments, and workplace safety.
Accreditations: NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, IOSH-approved.
Cost: From £150 for basic courses to £3,000+ for full NEBOSH diplomas.
Format: Online, in-person, and virtual classroom options.
High Speed Training
Courses Covered: Asbestos awareness, COSHH, PPE, fire safety, first aid, working at heights, and manual handling.
Accreditations: CPD-certified, RoSPA-approved, and IATP-accredited.
Cost: From £25 for online awareness courses to £300+ for advanced training.
Format: Online self-paced courses.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Courses Covered: Risk assessments, manual handling, working at heights, fire safety, and general health & safety compliance.
Accreditations: IOSH and NEBOSH-recognised training.
Cost: From £30 for short courses to £2,000+ for full NEBOSH qualifications.
Format: Online, classroom-based, and in-house training available.
Business & Financial Training
Running a successful trade business requires more than just technical skills—you need to master quoting, invoicing, tax management, and marketing. These UK-based training providers offer courses to help tradespeople improve their business and financial knowledge, ensuring long-term success.
The Federation of Small Businesses
Courses Covered: Business finance, tax management, pricing strategies, cash flow management, and legal essentials.
Accreditations: Recognised by UK business and trade associations.
Cost: Membership starts from £147 per year, with access to various free and discounted training sessions.
Format: Online webinars, workshops, and in-person events.
Google Digital Garage
Courses Covered: Digital marketing, social media strategy, SEO for trades, and building an online presence.
Accreditations: CPD-certified and backed by Google.
Cost: Free.
Format: Online self-paced courses.
QuickBooks Training
Courses Covered: Bookkeeping, invoicing, tax returns, and VAT management using QuickBooks.
Accreditations: Certified QuickBooks training provider.
Cost: From £35 for online courses to £299+ for in-depth training sessions.
Format: Online and in-person training across the UK.
Trades Business School
Courses Covered: Pricing jobs, quoting effectively, managing cash flow, handling tax, and marketing for tradespeople.
Accreditations: Specialised training for UK trades businesses.
Cost: From £99 for short courses to £1,500+ for full business training programs.
Format: Online and in-person coaching.
Apprenticeships & Skills Development
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification in a trade. These UK-based programs offer structured training, financial support, and recognised certifications to help apprentices develop the skills needed for a successful career.
UKGOV Apprenticeships
Programs Available: Covers various trades, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and construction.
Funding: Government-backed apprenticeship schemes with funding for employers and apprentices.
Cost: Free for apprentices; employers may receive grants to cover training costs.
Format: On-the-job training combined with classroom learning at an approved provider.
The Construction Industry Training Board
Programs Available: Apprenticeships for construction trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, and roofing.
Funding: Grants available for employers to support apprenticeship training.
Cost: Free for apprentices; employers can receive up to £14,500 in grants.
Format: Employer-led training with structured coursework.
City & Guilds Apprenticeships
Programs Available: Trade-focused apprenticeships in plumbing, construction, electrical work, and engineering.
Accreditations: City & Guilds qualifications, recognised industry-wide.
Cost: Free for apprentices; employers may be eligible for government funding.
Format: Workplace training with classroom-based learning at approved centres.
JTL Training
Programs Available: Specialises in apprenticeships for electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers.
Accreditations: Nationally recognised qualifications, including NVQs.
Cost: Free for apprentices; government funding available for employers.
Format: Work-based training with online and classroom sessions.
Government & Industry Schemes
Government and industry schemes provide vital funding and training opportunities for tradesmen to upskill, gain certifications, and meet regulatory requirements. These programs offer financial assistance for training and can open doors to new work opportunities, ensuring tradespeople stay compliant with industry standards.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme
Programs Available: CSCS card schemes for various trades, including construction workers, electricians, and plumbers.
Funding: No direct funding; however, grants may be available for training providers and some apprenticeships.
Cost: CSCS cards range from £36 to £84 depending on the type of card. Training costs vary.
Requirements: Applicants must pass a Health, Safety & Environment test.
Goldtrowel Construction Training
Programs Available: Specialised plastering, tiling, bricklaying, and rendering courses.
Accreditations: City & Guilds, NVQ, and CITB-accredited courses.
Cost: Course fees range from £400 to £2,000, depending on the level and duration.
Requirements: Suitable for beginners and professionals seeking NVQ qualifications.
GTEC Training
Programs Available: Courses on renewable technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, and biomass systems.
Accreditations: MCS-approved training provider.
Cost: Course fees range from £500 to £1,500.
Requirements: Candidates should have a background in heating, plumbing, or electrical work.
Trade Bodies and Industry Scheme Funding
Programs Available: Various schemes for electricians, heating engineers, and building contractors to join professional bodies like NICEIC and TrustMark.
Funding: Some funding and financial support are available to help cover registration and training costs for new tradesmen.
Cost: Membership fees range from £100 to £300+ annually, depending on the trade and size of business.
Requirements: Must be a qualified tradesperson with relevant experience.
Online Learning Platforms
Expand your skills and knowledge with flexible online courses tailored for tradespeople. Whether you’re looking to enhance your technical expertise, gain industry-recognised qualifications, or develop business and management skills, these platforms offer a range of courses to suit your needs. Learn at your own pace, access expert-led training, and stay ahead in your trade with convenient online learning options.
Udemy
Courses Available: Thousands of courses covering electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, health & safety, and business skills for tradespeople.
Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with lifetime access to purchased courses.
Cost: Prices range from £10 to £200 per course, with frequent discounts.
Best For: Self-paced learning for both beginners and experienced tradespeople.
XS Training
Courses Available: Specialises in online electrical training, including 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, NVQs, and AM2 preparation.
Accreditations: City & Guilds and EAL-approved courses.
Cost: Prices range from £150 to £1,500, depending on the qualification.
Best For: Electricians and those looking to complete NVQ assessments online.
Reed Courses
Courses Available: A mix of accredited and non-accredited trade-related courses, including construction, plumbing, and business management for tradesmen.
Accreditations: Offers courses from City & Guilds, CPD-certified programs, and NVQ training providers.
Cost: Free to £2,000+, depending on the course and provider.
Best For: A mix of online and in-person training with recognised certifications.
FutureLearn
Courses Available: Construction management, sustainability in building, health & safety, and business management for trades.
Flexibility: Free courses available with paid certificates and full-length professional courses.
Cost: Free to £500+, depending on the certification.
Best For: Those looking to enhance their business knowledge or transition into management roles.
Specialist Certifications
Specialist certifications are essential for tradespeople looking to differentiate themselves and expand their skill set in specific areas. This section highlights UK-based certification providers that offer courses for advanced skills in renewable energy, green technologies, and industry-specific materials or techniques. These qualifications not only help you stay competitive but also ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest industry standards and environmental regulations.
National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers
Programs Available: Offers certifications for electricians, renewable energy installers, and electrical inspection professionals. They also offer training for specific materials and installation techniques.
Certifications: Includes qualifications in areas like Part P, solar panel installation, and heat pump installation.
Cost: Varies based on the course; generally ranges from £150 to £1,000+.
Best For: Electricians and tradespeople working in renewable energy and electrical installations.
The Green Register
Programs Available: Focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency training, offering certifications in areas like energy assessment and green construction.
Certifications: Includes certifications for low-carbon technologies, sustainable building practices, and renewable energy installations.
Cost: Prices range from £300 to £1,500 depending on the training course and qualification.
Best For: Builders and tradespeople looking to specialise in sustainable construction and energy-efficient systems.
GRE Energy Training
Programs Available: Offers specialist training in renewable energy, including Solar PV, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning & F-Gas courses.
Certifications: Provides accredited qualifications recognized within the industry for various renewable energy installations and techniques.
Cost: Prices vary by course; for example, Solar PV courses start from £0.00, indicating potential funding opportunities.
Best For: Tradespeople aiming to specialize in renewable energy installations and related technologies.
Logic Certficiation
Programs Available: Offers training and certifications in gas and renewable energy sectors, including solar thermal systems and air source heat pumps.
Certifications: Specialised qualifications for heating engineers and installers of renewable energy systems.
Cost: Varies based on course, with some qualifications ranging from £250 to £1,500.
Best For: Gas engineers and heating professionals wanting to branch into renewable energy.
First Aid & Emergency Response Training
As a tradesperson, knowing how to respond in an emergency can make all the difference. First aid training is crucial for anyone working in a hands-on environment, allowing you to manage injuries, provide life-saving care, and stay compliant with health and safety regulations. Many organisations provide accredited first aid and emergency response training specifically tailored to tradesmen.
These qualifications can enhance workplace safety, boost your credibility, and ensure you’re prepared to handle any medical emergency that might arise on the job.
St John Ambulance
Programs Available: Offers a range of first aid and emergency response training courses, including basic first aid, CPR, and workplace first aid.
Certifications: Accredited by Ofqual, the training is industry-recognized and valid for 3 years.
Cost: Prices range from £35 for a basic first aid course to £300+ for more advanced certifications.
Best For: Tradespeople who need essential first aid knowledge for workplace safety and emergencies.
First Aid Training Co
Programs Available: Offers a range of first aid courses including emergency first aid, CPR, and workplace first aid for tradesmen.
Certifications: Accredited by the HSE, qualifications are recognised and valid for 3 years.
Cost: Prices range from £40 for emergency first aid courses to £150 for workplace first aid courses.
Best For: Tradesmen looking for affordable and flexible first aid training options.
Red Cross
Programs Available: Offers first aid, CPR, and emergency response courses tailored for different industries, including trades and construction.
Certifications: Provides certifications that are valid for 3 years, widely accepted in workplaces across the UK.
Cost: Basic first aid courses start from around £35, with advanced courses up to £250 depending on the qualification.
Best For: Tradesmen who want certified emergency first aid skills that meet industry standards.
ProTrainings
Programs Available: Specialises in online and in-person first aid training, including basic first aid, CPR, and more advanced emergency response courses.
Certifications: Accredited by Ofqual and other recognised bodies, certifications are valid for 3 years.
Cost: Prices start at £29 for online courses, with in-person courses starting at £150.
Best For: Those seeking flexible online learning or hands-on first aid training tailored to specific industries.
Legal & Compliance Training
For tradesmen, staying informed about legal obligations and compliance is essential to running a successful business. Legal and compliance training helps ensure you’re up-to-date with regulations, consumer rights, and contracts, reducing the risk of legal disputes.
These courses cover everything from understanding business law and contracts to dispute resolution and handling consumer complaints. By completing relevant training, you can safeguard your business against legal pitfalls and enhance your professionalism.
Chartered Certifications
Programs Available: A comprehensive course covering UK construction law, building regulations, contract management, and dispute resolution.
Certifications: Upon completion, participants receive a Certification in UK Construction Law and Building Regulations Compliance, enhancing professional credentials.
Cost: £499.00.
Best For: Construction professionals seeking an in-depth understanding of legal requirements and compliance in the UK construction industry.
iHasco
Programs Available: A variety of health and safety courses tailored for construction professionals, including topics on legal compliance and safety regulations.
Certifications: Courses approved by IOSH and RoSPA, accredited by the CPD service.
Cost: Prices vary by course; for example, the Asbestos Awareness Training is £30.00.
Best For: Construction professionals seeking accredited courses to maintain legal compliance and ensure workplace safety.
My Training Academy
Programs Available: A bundle of mandatory training courses for construction workers, including health and safety regulations and legal compliance.
Certifications: CPD-accredited courses, ensuring alignment with professional development standards.
Cost: £49.99 (discounted from £179.00).
Best For: Tradesmen requiring essential compliance training to ensure safe and lawful work practices.
Built Intelligence
Programs Available: Structured 'learning paths' in construction law, tailored to specific contract areas and job roles within the construction industry.
Certifications: Courses developed in partnership with legal experts, providing practical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios.
Cost: Prices vary by course; specific pricing details are available upon inquiry.
Best For: Professionals seeking specialized knowledge in construction law to navigate legal complexities in their roles.