Vocational workers will benefit from big wage rises in the next 15 years as demand increases and trends shift.

City & Guilds predicts wage rises way above inflation and the national average for vocational workers over the next 15 years. This revelation comes as the skills body reveals that demand for certain trades will radically increase due to a variety of factors including skills shortages and shifting trends in the population's leisure time habits.

The City & Guilds' Future Earnings report identifies ‘golden vocations' including IT workers, electricians, plumbers, fitness instructors, hairdressers and security guards. Those at the top end of their profession can expect to command salaries 30% above the national average.

While a nation with a higher disposable income will place demand on fitness clubs and the beauty industry, 24-hour drinking will ensure increased demand for qualified security personnel.

In the construction sector a variety of issues including the current skills shortages and continued government investment in housing, health and education will ensure that qualified tradespeople will see their wages rise dramatically in the future.

The report predicts that by 2020 electricians will be earning between £36 000 and £38 000, while senior electrical technicians can expect to pocket up to £53 000. Plumbers will be even more in demand, with qualified operatives earning around £42 000 and senior personnel £53 000.

Keith Brooker, director of group markets and products at City & Guilds, says: "There will be an increased demand for vocational workers in the UK, so it's really encouraging to see that there are clear incentives in terms of investment potential, which will attract more people into these occupations in the coming years.

"We've also been delighted to see the clear career paths for skilled workers highlighted in the research, which just goes to show that a vocational occupation can offer you a fulfilling job for life."

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor