Use your DIY skills

Many people have turned their DIY skills into a career, turning a hobby into a job. Find out how you can get in on the act too!

Wanna get plastering?

One in three* Brits will be rolling up their sleeves to get stuck into a DIY project in the coming weeks, inspired by the plethora of TV programmes and the desire to add value to their homes. In the UK alone, almost one in 20** people have turned their DIY skills into a career, reaping the financial rewards of turning a hobby into a job.

There are more than 700 different types of jobs available within the construction industry for both men and women and over 86,000* job opportunities expected this year alone. So whether you have a passion for plastering or a craving for carpentry, learndirect is urging keen DIY-ers to consider a career in construction.

Skills shortages in the industry

Gareth Dent, head of the learndirect advice line, said, "Due to current skills shortages within the construction industry, there are some fantastic opportunities for DIY-ers to make a living doing something they really enjoy".

"So, if the prospect of fixing the leaky tap or assembling the flat-packed furniture is something that you relish, why not think about turning your occasional hobby into a job? learndirect can provide guidance and advice to those who would like to embark on a career in construction, offering information on how to acquire the skills they will need to get ahead."

In demand

It is estimated that the construction industry will need 433,490 new people to join between 2003 and 2007 %u2013 a total of 86,150 each year.

Breakdowns of occupational figures indicate that the most in-demand occupations will be:

Carpenters and joiners - 12,460 needed per year

Managers - 10,020 need per year

Plumbers - 6,520 needed per year

Bricklayers - 6,000 needed per year

Technicians - 2,240 needed per year

In addition, 5,010 professionals are also needed per year.

Salaries range from £17,000 - £26,000 +

What's involved? Making and installing wooden structures, fixtures and fittings

Skills needed: Careful and methodical approach and ability to plan accurately; careful and methodical approach and ability to plan accurately; practical ability and manual skills; numeracy competency for measuring and making calculations; ability to work as part of a team and alone.

Salaries range from £11,000 - £21,000 +

What's involved? Lay floor coverings in homes and commercial premises

Skills needed: Good practical skills; good numeracy skills to work out measurements and costs; physically fit; polite and pleasant manner for dealing with customers; ability to work quickly and accurately.

Salaries range from £12,700 - £25,000 +

What's involved? Inspect, test and install wiring systems and equipment

Skills needed: Competency with a range of power tools; ability to follow technical drawings and instructions; methodical approach and attention to detail; safety-conscious; ability to work alone; take responsibility for own work and make decisions.

Salaries range from £10,000 - £25,000 +

What's involved? Construct and maintain gardens, parks, sports grounds and other outdoor areas.

Skills needed: Physically fit to cope with strenuous tasks; creativity and ability to interpret drawings; interest in the environment, plants and their effective use; ability to work quickly and meet deadlines; practical skills to work with a variety of tools.

Salaries range from £13,500 - £21,000 +

What's involved? Work on all types of buildings. Jobs can range from the re-decoration of a domestic household through to the application of heavy-duty finishing to bridges, ships or oil rigs

Skills needed: Practical and creative ability; good colour vision for mixing and matching paints; ability to work accurately and have an appreciation for detail; ability to work alone and as part of a team; comfortable working at heights.

Salaries range from £16,000 - £26,000+

What's involved? Install, maintain and repair hot and cold water supplies, and sanitation and waste disposal systems

Skills needed: Ability to read technical drawings and plans; good practical and problem-solving skills; careful and methodical approach to work; ability to work at heights and in confined spaces; awareness of safety issues and legal regulations; ability to work as part of a team and alone.

If you're thinking of turning your DIY hobby into a job then learndirect can offer advice on a range of construction courses from a City and Guilds Certificate in Plumbing to an NVQ in Floorlaying! Call learndirect on 0800 100 900 for impartial, free, careers advice or log on to www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

* Based on a study taken from Property News
** Based on the figure that 2 million people are already employed in the construction industry. Source: CITB
***According to CITB-ConstructionSkills' Skills Foresight Report, published in January 2003: