Meet the trades person

Ever since the advent of TV shows designed to educate us in the worlds of DIY and interior design, people all over the UK have been building garden offices and creating walk-in wet rooms.

Sadly, all too often that office turns out to be a rickety shed that won’t survive winter, while the wet room has more leaks than Wiki.

And, while there may be something strangely satisfying about hitting a wall with a sledgehammer, watching the house fall down is not so much fun.

Such DIY disasters serve to underline the importance of skilled trades people.

These are the professionals whose talents are employed in almost every part of our lives. From helping to put together our original homes and workplaces to carrying out emergency repairs and dispensing TLC to boilers and bathrooms, wiring and windows, we will always need trades people.

Becoming a trades person can be motivated by ambitious career aspirations – but it can also be triggered by the simple enjoyment of a hobby.

There’s many a plumber who began their journey by fixing a faulty faucet and a decorator whose passion was painting the shed.

If you’re thinking about a career in the trades, jobs24.com has a wealth of opportunities in professions as diverse as cabling to carpentry but they all have one thing in common – it’s mentally stimulating work but it also involves having expert manual skills and excellent hand-eye coordination.

This is certainly true for Graeme Tapner. He may be founder and owner of GEM Properties, which specialises in home improvements, but he has no intention of ever giving up being ‘on the tools’.

“When I started GEM I didn’t envisage ever moving into an office-based management role,” he says. “Although I do project manage every job, no matter how big or small, I do this directly on-site for my customers. That way I also get to be involved in the actual process itself: the joinery work, glazing, concrete mixing…whatever needs done, gets done and I enjoy every minute.”

For Graeme being a skilled trades person is the realisation of an ambition not only to be fully self-sufficient but also enjoy a hands-on workplace experience every day – the end result of which is a happy homeowner or business.

“There can be few jobs where you get such a sense of satisfaction in achieving results you can both see and touch. There’s a misconception that trades people are ‘just doing a job’ but the reality is, certainly from my own experience, that anyone who works in this sector takes great personal pride in the quality of their craftsmanship.”

Graeme’s team specialise in a range of construction and renovation areas, including doors, windows and roofs.

“Another popular job for customers is installing new and highly efficient boilers,” says Graeme. “This is a specialist area and requires the plumber to be gas-safe registered. In addition we are a Vaillant-registered, which gives all our boilers a ten-year guarantee.”

There are many skills that can be transferred into construction from other professions and in Graeme’s case it was his time spent as a fire officer that has stood him in good stead.

“Working in the fire service you need to be prepared but also fully switched on to what needs done right there in the moment. There’s no room for error.

“When you’re faced with a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation problem solving must be done incredibly quickly – you need to be able to use your wits and your body at the same time.

“While I may not be saving lives now when working on a home build or renovation, I still have a mindset that looks to overcome any obstacles we may face. I also take time to prepare thoroughly and make sure all of the equipment is kept clean and fully functioning.

“I also try to motivate my team to stay focused in the same way I would my fire crew – and, of course, this also involves having banter and making sure everyone is happy.”

Graeme adds that, just as in the fire service, no two days in the trades are ever the same.

“Homes, hotels and offices are all unique and so can throw up different obstacles. You can prepare a plan of action but until you begin work you never really know what to expect. It can be challenging, of course, but it’s also fun – and, anyway, I love a challenge!”

What advice would Graeme give to anyone who’d like to become a trades person?

“Find that one thing you really enjoy doing – whether it’s working directly with wood or metal or even project planning – and do it over and over until you’re the go-to expert.

“This is a sector where professionalism counts for everything but enjoyment is always at the heart of what we do”

Has meeting Graeme inspired you to find a new career as a skilled trades person? Then why not visit jobs24.com – here you’ll find vacancies fit for top talent… even if you’re new to the job!

Posted on July 12, 2019