Why Parents Want Their Children to Choose a Career in the Trades 

For decades, the “dream careers” most often promoted to young people were professional titles such as doctor, lawyer, or banker. Parents encouraged children to head to university, often with the belief that academic qualifications equalled financial stability. But new research suggests that perception is changing. 

According to a Career Choice for Children Report by MyBuilder.com, 15% of parents said they would like their child to pursue a career as an electrician, builder, plumber, or carpenter. This figure placed the trades above every other profession on the list – including medicine, law and software development. 

This shift in attitudes is important, not only for families planning their children’s futures but also for an industry g rappling with a nationwide skills shortage. 

What the research shows 

The MyBuilder.com report revealed the top five careers parents want their children to pursue: 

1. Tradesperson – 15%
    
2. Doctor – 12% 
   
   
3. Software developer – 12% 
   
   
4. Web developer – 10% 
   
   
5. Lawyer – 8% 

The findings reflect more than just earning potential. Factors such as work–life balance, independence, and resilience to automation were also highlighted. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries like finance, marketing, and IT, parents are recognising that skilled trades are less vulnerable to disruption. 

Interestingly, the data showed generational differences. Younger parents (18–34) and older parents (55+) were most supportive of trade careers, with mid-aged parents (35–54) slightly less inclined. 

Why are parents encouraging the trades now? 

Several reasons explain the change: 

• Job security – Demand for electricians, plumbers, and builders is rising, and unlike some white-collar roles, these jobs cannot be outsourced or automated. 

• High earning potential – Once fully qualified, electricians regularly earn salaries comparable to or higher than many graduate roles. A self-employed tradesperson can also set their own rates and working hours. 

• Skills shortage pressure – With Brexit limiting overseas recruitment and many experienced tradespeople approaching retirement, new entrants have a clear pathway to long-term careers. 

• Debt-free entry – University tuition fees leave many graduates with £40,000+ in debt, while apprenticeships and training courses often allow learners to earn while they study. 

At the same time, fewer schools are actively promoting apprenticeships or vocational training as equal to higher education. Many young people still find themselves pushed towards university even when their skills or interests are better suited to hands-on work. 

Improving the uptake of trade careers 

If the UK is to close its construction and electrical skills gap, more needs to be done at secondary school level. Careers advice often underplays apprenticeships and practical qualifications such as BTECs. Encouraging school leavers to explore vocational training routes could help balance this. 

Practical exposure, like the examples given in Dealing with Hazards 12 and Dealing with Hazards 13, can also show young people the real-world importance of safe, skilled work. These foundations matter whether they progress into full apprenticeships or advanced diploma pathways. 

Industry voices agree. Diana Montador, VP of Customer Insights at MyBuilder.com, commented: “Parents are now seeing the appeal of a career in skilled trades for their children, and we welcome any efforts to raise the profile of the industry to young people.” 

Unlocking the potential of trades 

Trades are no longer seen as just manual work. For many, they represent flexibility, independence, and a chance to build something lasting. From starting out as an apprentice to eventually running your own business, the opportunities are significant. 

The demand is also nationwide. Whether you’re considering Electrician Courses Cannock or Electrician Courses Burton Upon Trent, there are structured routes available that help learners move from training into employment. Providers such as Elec Training specialise in creating pathways that combine classroom learning, practical rig work, and guaranteed work placements – making the career choice both accessible and sustainable. 

Looking ahead 

Parents are beginning to align their aspirations with reality. A career in the trades offers stability, progression, and strong earning potential without the financial burden of university debt. With demand for electricians and other skilled workers only expected to rise, it’s no surprise that families are re-evaluating what the “best” career looks like in 2024 and beyond. 

By highlighting the real opportunities in trades and ensuring schools present apprenticeships alongside academic r outes, the UK can give the next generation the tools they need to succeed – and close the skills gap at the same time. 

1 – What percentage of parents now want their children to pursue a career in the trades? 

In 2025, close to a fifth (15-18%) of UK parents would choose a career in skilled trades for their children, making it the most desired profession according to the MyBuilder.com Career Choice for Children Report. A separate FMB survey found 47% would encourage their child into building trades, reflecting growing support amid skills shortages. Elec Training notes this trend aligns with rising demand for vocational paths in electrics. 

2 – Which careers ranked highest in the MyBuilder.com Career Choice for Children Report?

The MyBuilder.com report ranks skilled trades (e.g., electrician, plumber, carpenter) as the highest desired career (15-18% preference), surpassing office roles like doctor or teacher, due to perceived earnings and security. Other high ranks include software developer and financial manager, but trades top the list for practical appeal. Elec Training highlights electrics as a standout for its blend of tech and hands-on work. 

3 – Why are trades like electrics, plumbing, and carpentry becoming more appealing to parents?

Trades are appealing due to high earning potential (up to £60k+), job security amid shortages, and better value over university debt, with parents viewing them as future-proof against AI and offering quicker entry via apprenticeships. Economic pressures and skills gaps make them desirable for children’s financial stability. Elec Training sees this in rising enrollments, driven by net-zero demands. 

4 – How does the earning potential of trades compare with graduate careers?

Trades often outearn graduates: electricians average £33k-£60k (up to £47k), while graduates start at £21k-£37k, with trades like bricklayers at £42k exceeding many degree holders—tradespeople earn £10k more by mid-career. Elec Training emphasizes electrics’ high ROI without debt. 

5 – Are trade careers at risk of being replaced by automation and AI?

No, trade careers like electrics are largely safe from AI/automation, as they require hands-on skills difficult to replicate—65% of Gen Z see trades as AI-resistant, unlike white-collar roles, with automation complementing rather than replacing. Elec Training notes AI aids diagnostics but human expertise remains essential. 

6 – Why do parents see apprenticeships and vocational training as an advantage over university?

Parents prefer apprenticeships for better job prospects (45% say superior to degrees), earn-while-learn (no £50k+ debt), and practical skills leading to employment—44% favor them over uni for future preparation. Elec Training’s programs highlight this, with 80% parental support in surveys. 

7 – What role has Brexit and the ageing workforce played in shaping demand for trades?

Brexit reduced EU migrant labor (26% workforce drop since 2018), while an ageing demographic (many retiring) has created shortages (15k electricians needed by 2030), boosting demand and wages in trades like electrics. Elec Training responds with retraining to fill gaps. 

8 – Why are some age groups of parents more supportive of trade careers than others?

Younger parents (18-34) are more supportive (18% preference for trades) due to economic awareness, while 35-54s are less (13%), possibly from traditional biases—over-55s at 15% show generational shifts. Elec Training sees younger parents valuing debt-free paths. 

9 – What changes are needed in schools to promote vocational pathways more effectively?

Schools need career guidance from age 11, teacher training on apprenticeships, partnerships with employers for work experience, and balanced promotion of vocational vs. academic routes—phased Gatsby benchmarks and DfE reforms aim for this by 2025. Elec Training advocates school outreach to boost enrollments. 

10 – How can training providers like Elec Training help young people enter the electrical trade?

Elec Training helps via flexible apprenticeships (earn-while-learn, 1-2 years), hands-on NVQ Level 3 courses (£3k-£7k), employer partnerships for p lacements, and support for under-19s with funding—enabling quick qualification and jobs at £25k+ starting. With female-focused initiatives, it addresses barriers for diverse entrants.