Many parents want their kids to learn a trade

By Lucy Brimble via 72Point

Four in 10 parents want their kids to end up in a trade rather than an office-based job - so they’ve always got someone handy to help them out around the house.

A poll of 2,000 UK-based moms and dads, with children under 16, found 60 percent have encouraged them to learn a skill like plumbing or engineering or to become a car mechanic.

In fact, 51 percent regret not pursuing a more practical career themselves.

And 56 percent wish they could have made more of a difference to people’s lives in their jobs.

The research was commissioned by British Gas, which has committed to creating 3,500 apprenticeships over the next decade.

James Jennings, apprenticeship manager at energy and home services provider, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that taking up a trade is becoming more desirable among younger people and it’s good to know parents are supportive of this decision.

“Practical careers provide the chance to make a tangible difference to people’s lives as well as helping out in local communities, which can be extremely rewarding.”

The study also found 40 percent of parents are keen for their children to make a positive difference to customers, and 39 percent added that always having work available is a bonus.

A decent salary (37 percent), managing your own work-life balance (32 percent) and being your own boss (32 percent) also featured in the appeal.

And 42 percent of parents love the idea of their child learning valuable skills to set them up for life, with 65 percent believing these are becoming more varied due to ever-evolving technology.

Engineers (32 percent), electricians (31 percent) and builders (28 percent) are the top three trades parents hope their child will choose.

It also emerged that 43 percent have immediate family members who are in a trade and 37 percent think their son or daughter is likely to end up doing the same because of this.

But, according to the OnePoll study, 29 percent of parents said if this does become their child’s career choice it will be because they have a genuine interest in it.

And two-thirds would be happy for their offspring to take on an apprenticeship to see if it suited them.

More than a quarter (26 percent) reckon there is a rise in younger people opting for a career in a trade with 64 percent of all parents saying it’s something to be proud of.

It also emerged 68 percent believe tradespeople have an important role to play in the future of our society, and 54 percent think they make a real difference in people’s lives through their work.

Robert McGrath, a trainee gas engineer at British Gas, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is curious about pursuing a more practical occupation, whether starting out their career or searching for a change.

“After serving 23 years in the military, I decided it was time for a new challenge - one that offered a better work-life balance and the chance to positively impact people's lives.

“It’s so satisfying to go into people’s homes and help them in their hour of need, leaving again having fixed the problem and feeling good about my role in that.”

The British Gas apprentices will train in green skills to reach net zero such as installing electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, and includes a recent commitment to hire 500 former armed forces recruits to re-train as engineers.