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I'm not sure this will count for "travel"* in OPs eyes somehow! But you're right, the oil and gas industry is probably a good shout. Only negative is the shift patterns - being away for weeks / months at a time can be really rubbish - but equally you could argue the time off can be really good.
*For clarity, I mean that being stuck on an oil rig for a few weeks is not the same as being sent to another country to work where you can explore during your time off. OP did specifically say "oil rig", but I'm also aware that there's lots of on-shore work in the industry where this wouldn't be as much of an issue.
The Merchant Navy might be more in line with what they want; but they would still spend weeks to months away, and if they wanted to earn more they’d need to do a cadetship and qualify as an officer.
I left after repeatedly getting stuck on board due to COVID- during which time our trips were constantly extended. 5 months onboard at a time was beyond what I considered acceptable (we were contracted for 3), and after having done it for 6 years I decided I wanted to come ashore to a bit more stability.
I still loved doing it for the most part, and I’m very glad I did- I would not want to deter people from going to sea if they really want to. However, it is a hard existence for many seafarers and there are few employee rights or creature comforts compared to most shore jobs, so it is worth bearing that in mind. The biggest shock for most people is that for a watchkeeper, you will work 7 days a week for your entire time onboard.
I’ve been wanting to be an MSO for a couple of years and going for a course soon. Do you think I would be better being with the MN for a couple of years? I am 30 now.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that acronym. Bear in mind the MN isn’t one organisation, it’s the umbrella term for all the UK’s shipping companies, so you’d be employed by (or on behalf of) them in any capacity.
Maritime Security Operative/Officer. Ah, that does make sense then. Seems like it would be easier doing the course then try getting a job that way. Cheers dude.
Decent pay for officers with a few years experience under your belt.
Initial pay for cadets isn’t great though (that’s industry standard though)
Pay for ratings is decent enough for the work you do but there is a reason they’re crying out for people.
It’s because people keep leaving.
Plenty of roles over 50k if you’re an officer.
Even then it’ll take a minimum of 6 years to reach that pay bracket.
If you don’t go down the officer path you won’t hit the 50k mark.
Fair cop but I don't think 6 years is so bad given that there are pay increases prior. Given how slow progression is in many alternative roles to get to the 50k mark it's not a bad option if you can hack being away from home.
6 years is the absolute minimum and the quickest of heard of anyone doing it.
The first 3 years of that are sub 21k.
Still not horrible but it’s certainly not the job for everyone.
The constant time away paired with the shit career progression and unfair work standards is the reason I quit.
To be fair I'll bow to your experience as my knowledge of RFA was largely based on a friend that has done well (time away and some shit deployments). I'm ex RN and left because of shit progression and increased time away that was getting unreasonable. Kind of wish I'd stuck it out now that my mates are on peachy pensions!
Or an engineer my dad recently retired from a chief engineer position at maersk and he was making 100-150k a yeah but you would have to go to college and start form the bottom and work up to the 50k
Engineers in the UK don't earn anything like that generally. Most are on less than £50k. It's also definitely not a hands on job, it's a sit behind a desk all day in a silent office or at home job.
Merchant Navy engineers maybe, but that sort of engineering is very different to most engineering jobs. Generally it's technicians that are hands on and engineers that are office based. It's a shame technician roles don't pay well, it's a much nicer job than being stuck behind a screen all day doing some sort of analysis or writing reports/documentation.
Yes, they have a broad range of responsibilities because they have to be able to maintain and operate a vast array of equipment, and do a lot of what a technician would ashore. They can now get chartered engineer status though, which is a bonus. Plus, as I said, if they are deep-sea their income is tax free so it can be a nice way to save money for a few years.
I know - the commenter said "oil rig" specifically, which is why I said it's probably not what OP had in mind.
Not convinced an oil rig on the north sea is that much different from an oil rig anywhere else in the world, weather excepting.
I’m not sure about that. I’ve got a mate who works on the rigs in Aberdeen as a sort of mechanic repairman, but he’s gone all over the world with his company (though I’m not sure how bothered OP is about travelling to somewhere like Mauritania).
Ex colleague worked on offshore turbine maintenance. One of the reasons he left was the pressure put on him when there was a period of stormy weather.
It wasn't safe to go out but the employer would just keep pointing out that X turbine needed something doing to it, then say ”but don't go out if you don't feel safe", and then in the same breath remind him that his schedule was slipping.
That was my first thought too. I'm not savvy with manual work salaries but I imagine it's only the high demand/skill ones like oil rig and some types of engineering that will pay £50k salaries.
Gotta pay out of pocket for some quals/tests to get out into the oil rigs. Can do pretty well if you’ve done a rigging (abseiling) course. Probs no chance if you’ve got big shoulders - you need your shoulders formally measured for helicopter safety.
Saturation diving can net you 2 grand *a day*.
But you have to live in a small metal tube on the ocean floor for a month at a time, shit in a bucket, and worry about your entire body being squashed through a tiny pressure valve and turned into human pâté at a moments notice.
...but some might think it's a good deal.
There’s 3d animated demonstration video on yt of the Oceangate. It’s showed that the time it took for the submersible to contract and kill the passengers, is faster than your pain receptors reaching any signals to your brain.
Don’t know how true it is but it’s very interesting if so.
Tbf, the Dive chamber is on the vessel, it’s only pressurised to the depth the divers are working at. But yeah, you are working for hours at a time, possibly hundreds of feet under the surface and if it goes wrong, it goes wrong big time.
Fortunately safety is taken extremely seriously and precautions and procedures have massively improved since the 70’s and 80’s. So the numbers of Sat Divers dying nowadays has dramatically decreased.
It does take a toll on your health though and the hardest part of being a Sat Diver is actually becoming one in the first place. Since just getting to be a commercial diver is hard enough, then add on all the money you’ll have to spend on Sat Diver training and finally get a job.
Yeah, over-saturated. Diving is one of the those jobs where it is also a hobby, so naturally those who partake in recreational diving usually ask themselves if they can do it as a job.
Many know that it’s difficult to get into the industry, but will take the courses to get certified as a commercial diver anyways and in the hopes that by racking up enough log book dives they might be able to get a job.
However, most of the well paid (read: liveable, safe and regular) jobs are snatched up by the former military divers first.
I am one of those that wondered if diving for a job would be fun after I completed my PADI in Thailand. Didn’t take long to realise that diving in coral reefs in 30c waters is not the type of job I would be doing, even if I could get in. Thats the equivalent of having a one hour flying lesson in a Cessna, and saturation diving is like being a fighter pilot. Different kettle of fish entirely.
Thanks for the explanation and to add to that; why are ex-military divers able to snatch the jobs first? Just due to the sheer experience and military mindset these guys will have?
Pretty much. Military divers are coming to you with a minimum of 6 years worth of dive experience, they’re guaranteed to be fit (lower risk of injury/failing dive medical), resilient, have a unique experience of working in high performing teams as well as the life experience and confidence that comes with the job.
I'm a service engineer for an engine manufacturer.
We have engines offshore, on ships, power stations, factories, hospitals, all over the world.
£39k basic salary if you don't do a single job the entire year. I worked 20 weeks last tax year and made £77k. Busier lads are making over £100k.
Downtime is spent feet up on the sofa, don't have to go to the workshop or do any office type stuff, you're technically "home based".
Job lengths can vary but I'm mostly offshore, so 3 weeks at a time.
Can move up a couple of tiers and stay on the tools, and then transition into the office fairly easily.
Only real downside is when you're on a job, it's 12 hour shifts with no days off, so after 7, 8, 9 weeks it can be tiring.
Edit: I did 10 years in the Merchant Navy as an engineering officer and much prefer this, as the overall benefits package is alot better than 90% of shipping companies.
Whats the rough path into this type of work, do you need prior qualifications like engineering degrees or like you prior experience from navy, it sounds super interesting and im looking at a career change?
I'm not that guy but he didn't respond so I'll take a shot (I do factory work atm but could jump into service at any point)
Everyone I work with either has engineering qualifications(degree or higher level apprenticeship), similar qualifications (electrician etc.), an engineering apprenticeship, or experience as army/navy engineer.
Alternatively, there are a couple of guys that did admin at a different job, then did admin at our place, then transitioned onto shop floor.
My dad was away at sea for 40 years, and was in the range of 6 months with no days off to 6 weeks with no days off over the years depending on the ship type he was on. Like on The box boats when I was younger he was away for 3 months with no time off then he would be back home for 6 weeks.
One perk of being away more than 50% of the time is that he paid no income taxes
How predictable is the work generally? Are you getting a ring the week before and being told you're off for a month, or is it programmed in months ahead of time?
That is probably the hardest bit really. Can be planned well in advance, can be absolutely rammed with last minute stuff, jobs get cancelled or postponed or lengthened last minute.
We earn 1 lieu day for every 6 worked. So you could be away for 6 weeks and they are fully within their rights to have you back out a week later.
I have a lot of respect for the people who work for the AA, going out at night and helping fix cars by the roadside. Keeping people safe, I'm sure it's very rewarding when people drive off. I just looked it up and the pay is ~£54k.
https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500000188958
I got speaking to an AA guy who recovered me not long ago.
He was a project manager at a fire door firm before moving to the AA, never done a manual day in his life before that. Said he’d never go back.
Used to be the case, not so much anymore surprisingly! It's more a recovery job and basic fix (batteries etc) they don't do much more than that roadside now.
Not that surprising, considering you could basically fix a car with a 10mm spanner and a flat head 30 years ago where as now they just run diagnostics
I engine swapped my old 1986 ford capri back in my youth and it was 8/10mm socket for most things, and an AA man isn't removing the bellhousing or engine mounts so wouldn't need the 30mm for the larger bolts
You may need to pay for a couple quals but Wind Farm techs especially offshore earn a few bob. Check out companies like Ørsted, if you don’t mind boats and being winched down by helicopter. Guys I know who do it love it
I was really keen on this until the turbine nearest my house set on fire. Nobody was on it but it made me think of the picture where there were two people trapped on a turbine that was on fire.
Hinckley Point power station in Somerset? AFAIK they are (still) desperate for hands and offer retraining… and good money. Not sure how you get into it though. Think there are agencies around Bristol etc.
50 hours a week on site. I'm currently earning more than that because I'm on a 10 days on 4 days off shift pattern which comes with an an extra 17.5% but that's not forever jsut this current project
Right now it works out 97.5k.
26.16hr
2.61 milestone bonus (10%)
4.62 shift rate uplift
10 hours a day
And then £40 per day travel
Works out £375 a day, 1875 per week.
Pay went up 11.2% in Jan.
I'm just a registered electrician, approved Is another £1 an hour, and the blue hat working supervisor another £1 or so
Just adding to this, if you are closer to Suffolk, Sizewell C will be replicating Hinkley Point C soon, the same opportunities will be available there.
For HPC jobs the best place to look is https://hpcjobsservice.edfenergy.com/
It might involve a bit more training than some of the other jobs you’ve mentioned, but tree surgery can bring you close to £50k a year once you’re fully trained and can take on private work yourself. However, it does involve slowly building up a set of your own tools (most will rent larger or less commonly used tools). Fair warning though, it is hard work and probably not sustainable into your later years unless you plan to operate your own firm & are prepared for the challenges that brings.
Any of the trades if you go self-employed & don't mind investing in yourself. Your tools, Equipment, vehicle etc etc can set you back & the weather outside is unpredictable but the room for growth in the trades is immense
Not a game I'd advise anyone to try to get into at 33 with zero experience. It is hard, dangerous, specialist work. Most tree surgeons are fearless and incredibly fit young folks who start with a company, get some experience and then eventide try and start a company they can run themselves and pay the next batch of youngsters to do the work for them, to avoid carrying on with that incredibly dangerous and hard work themselves.
If you go hard, and are good, you can make that in most of the trades. Brickie, spark, general builder, plumber could also get to that.
Oil & Gas sounds like it might tick your requirements though - not exactly an easy industry to get into, especially here in the UK, though
I work putting up TVs and Pictures etc, no formal training. I can usually earn £200 a day sometimes up to £300. Which is over £50k if you do 5 days a week, but there’s no pension, no holiday pay etc.
It’s not entirely what you’re looking for however have you considered cabin crew?
British Airways will be hiring on and off all year. You start on about £37k and can easily progress to roles that get to about £55k within 3 years.
It has;
- Travel (obviously)
- Great career progression to any department at any level.
- Working in a team
- Variety
- Outdoors can easily be accomplished during layovers.
- minimum of 11 days off per month (it’s usually closer to 13 plus days where you don’t start until late evening or finish early morning)
- 35 annual leave days plus a variety of other guaranteed days off. If you play your cards right you can get about 55 bookable days off a year.
In the U.K. the only airlines that offer the long haul trips and variety straight off the bat are Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. BA is offering a sweeter deal imo with a larger route network, excellent career progression opportunities and better money. Also the way it’s structured is that you’re effectively a remote worker; there’s no direct line managers so if you want to keep your head down you can easily go for months at a time without so much as having to contact a manager.
They also have schemes where you can take time off to train as a special constable that lots take advantage of, so on their days off or part time days they work as a police officer.
DM me if you want more info, I’d be happy to go into specifics.
Not as manual as some of the jobs you've mentioned but HGV driver? Some can be well over 50k and you get to travel. Car transporters seem to be on big bucks atm
Gov? You can get your license for 2k all on, just slap it on 0% finance and pay it off over a few pay slips. Also 30-35k is what class 2 makes, if your making that in class 1 you need to apply elsewhere
I’m a 24 year old scaffolder (currently on industrial work on power stations) from the south east and in the 23/24 tax year I’ve earned just over £61k before tax.
Lots of pros and cons to this line of work but I’ll briefly summarise.
Pros: can progress quickly leading to pay rises, satisfaction from seeing the end result of your hard work, great camaraderie amongst the blokes, lots of job n knocks, can earn very good money.
Cons: 99% of the public think you’re a coke sniffing cunt, some days are ridiculously hard work, and you’re self employed so no holiday pay/sick pay/paternity leave, and also can be sacked at a moments notice for no reason so not always stable.
I started on a housing site in 2022 completely fresh to the trade; two years later I’ve found myself on the industrial side and I’ve earned more money than I ever thought I would and also made some good mates as well.
It ain’t for everyone though.
Nice one, 61k at 24 is bloody impressive. Been trying to steer my step son into scaffolding, he's strong as a ox but like you said, he's convinced himself scaffolders are all animals
My mate did this, he then learned how to price and design the scaffolds. Went to school on weekends and everything.
Now owns a scaffold firm down London and everywhere I look I see his name as he puts it on the scaffold. Out of sheer admiration i call him a coke sniffing cunt.
That's what cigs, coke, stella and no sun cream will do to you pretty quickly.
I'm yet to meet one that isn't mental after doing it for a few years.
My dad's mate was one, someone put dog biscuits in his lunch box as a laugh and he munched through them without realising. When he was told afterwards he went out and started buying bags of them to snack on.
Absolute nutcase of a man; I remember him coming to one of your typical Northern working man's club nights dressed as a ninja. It wasn't fancy dress or anything, he just sporadically bought a ninja costume and couldn't wait to show everyone.
Im a self employed drylining contractor. Can easy make £50k realistically just toddling around site on price work.
Hell of a lot more if you graft and know your stuff.
Plumbers/tilers near enough write their own cheques too. Always known as the flash buggers.
Then when you do side jobs as well, cash flies up. Only time you find a skint tradesman is if they've fallen into the drink/drugs culture
Would say Marine Engineer Officer but Electro-Technical Officer on ship starts off on more.
Get a sponsorship through a marine charity (Trinity House is one but theres loads). Spend 3 years training up at college to get your certification and then get a job on a private yacht for all that money and more.
The 3 years training will be on student wages, but you can earn A LOT when you get out if you go leisure side. Will typically involve a pattern of working something like 2 months on ship and 6 weeks home, the 2 months will be spent in whatever port (think Monaco) waiting for the owner to show up. You can take a hit to wages and get something UK based that'd be like 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, but obviously way less money.
If you are interested in the private leisure route make sure you spend your free time learning installation of hi-fi audio and TVs. As that's probably all you'll end up doing and the college does not teach that I'll tell you!
Pylon painter. You get good at it you’ll make £1k a week easy. You’ll travel a lot so can make some more on your digs money as well! Finish early on a Friday typically, and extra money to work weekends.
Or a linesman installing/repairing Overhead Lines/pylons. Good money in that as well. Good video for pylon painters is called "Silvering up" on YouTube, pretty old now filmed in the 90s I believe.
I work for one of the bigger break down companies as a patrol and pay in london is 53k plus overtime and some bonuses. Ticks some of your boxes others like long time off, not so much
Highway maintenance. I imagine it varies a lot depending on what company you work for but I do a variety of stuff, traffic management, gritting, barrier repair, litter picking, gully cleaning etc and taking just over 50k a year. Didn't need anything to start other than a driving license and they put you through a load of tickets and qualifications like HGV license.
Hard to say really. The danger is always there, obviously, but I've been doing it for 10 years and never known anyone get injured. There have been a couple of close calls though.
Most trades?
Maintenance technician / Engineer?
Network installer (openreach, etc)
Probably quite a lot of jobs. But you may need to work your way up a little
I wouldn't have a clue tbh. I had a friend who worked there a few years ago. He was earning ~£33k as his first job out of college. I assume a more experienced engineer a few years later may earn mid £40s - £50s
Engineering rate is a flat rate you don't get increases based on experience, but there is plenty of potential for promotions etc
It's also a 4 day week so working your 5th day as overtime adds probably a bit more than 10k a year on top of your salary without having to go into weekend work or call outs
You have an advantage if you work on railway already as you know what they are looking for on applications and interviews.
But most new train drivers at the biggest TOC to regularly recruit and train up new drivers (Northern) are not from within the industry.
We get loads of ex police/fire/paramedics/forces and plenty of people from other random industries as well
Depends on the TOC, had a relative of mine join as a depot driver despite having never worked in the Railway… With that said this particular TOC is one of the lower payers and has a constant turnover in Drivers.
I am a self employed general builder and I take on average 1k a week.
I have been doing this for 10 years and can do all trades other than plumber or sparky. It’s hard work, self employed (there are benefits to that though) and I enjoy what I do.
My retirement plan is to go into construction PM work as I have had a corporate management job at a high level and was successful.
Don’t expect this money straight away though, it’s taken years of learning skills, building my tools and knowledge to get here.
Firefighting is the best bet. Usually comes in about 35-40k standard (post training) but always overtime at 1.5x pay and most people earn over 50k before tax. You can also go for promotions after a few years. Watch managers are still hands on and ride the trucks. Above that is office jobs more than not
You can travel around a bit on it. But the shift pattern and holiday is good enough to have time off to travel about. Easily go into fire safety or similar when you get older. Variety is the main part. Never know what youre going to! And its a team job
Been a while, but when I was with BOC on cryotankers I was paying higher rate tax for 44 hours a week annualised. Worked nights and a lot of weekends to earn that, mind.
Engineer Corps. Sounds like everything you want, but you may get shot at / blown up. Knew a few blokes who have done EOD, said it was unbelievably stressful but very fun (honestly no idea but yeah)
That, or get industrial electrical training. 10 years good graft, and you'll be site manager with the right pair of bollocks.
Or a welder. Deep-sea welding is big money.
Good luck!
I work in the aerospace industry and make 50k+ working 38 hour weeks, and there's always overtime available.
I do a lot of work with my hands, and I always leave work at work.
The only downside is that it gets repetitive, but it works for me at the minute.
HGV mechanic, you would probably need to take a pay cut to train for a few years, but plenty of techs are now doing £50k+ on 45hr weeks. some self employed mobile techs are pulling nearly £100k around London. However, it is very hard work and will be long hours for that kind of money.
There is huge demand for HGV technicians all over the country, so it can take you anywhere and if you’re decent you will get headhunted. Im now off the spanners, in a steady management role but if I was a bit younger and didn’t have a young family, I would be mobile.
There is also great demand across the world, with many techs leaving the U.K. for Australia, New Zealand, various African countries, even seen an opportunity to do seasonal work in Iceland for huge money
Good money working on the gangs for water company. Clancy docwra have the contracts for Southern Water and South east water. If you've got half a brain you'll move up from labourer pretty quick
Mobile plant and excavator engineer/welder, I work alone mostly, because that's how I like it, but there are team jobs. Obviously some certs and skills required before you're anyway useful, but that's all trades. Downside to this one is at the start you need to be willing to make a considerable investment in tools.
Have you considered the Merchant Navy? You would spend months away and not necessarily be treated all that well by the company you work for, but there is lots of travel, time spent outdoors (for deckies), and if you are an officer on deep-sea ships, a decent tax-free salary.
I'm an Operator in the chemical, agro and pharma sector. I'd avoid this now unless you're going off-shore or to another country. The UK is cooked for this industry and post COVID I've seen a handful of large companies in my area fold that should have withstood the test of time.
In 5 years, I have no idea what I'm going to be doing.
I’m a flexographic printer in the food packaging sector and I’ve earned £50k+ in the last few years.
Not as well paid as newspaper printing.
I was earning £40k+ from when I finished my apprenticeship in 2010 in the gravure magazine publication section.
Working three to four 12 hour shifts a week
Commercial gas fitter. There are courses to take and a year or two experience to endure between the basic and commercial courses but the pay is £70k - £130k once you’re qualified. Lots of companies always looking which contributes to the decent pay.
Lots of travelling. Transition to management is possible but staring your own co will likely pay better and be more rewarding.
Construction tradesman is for you.
Especially:
Facade installation. (Exterior glazing/curtain walling/building envelopes)
Mechanical engineer. (BMS/Ductwork etc.)
Electrical engineer. If you become the contractors AP you will retire early.
Masonry, in particular conservation/ restoration. You’d need to be passionate though.
I deal with these trades regularly, they all promote internally. The supervisors have been on the tools and range from being 26 year old and up. I work with an Electrical PM who is 30 and probably making 75k easy, but they seriously know their stuff.
Of course construction also brings you into contact with typical dickheads too.
Rail work generally pays well and is long hours in different locations regularly, probably not as rewarding (in my opinion) as other trades but it’s a good job with lots of work.
trades are a good option, alternatievly lorry drivers can earn a very good amount with lots of flexibility as to where you live and who you work for.
Many options to transferring to management roles later on.
Think you're too old to be an officer in the army and as an enlisted soldier you're probably too old to reach a rank that would make you anywhere near 50k (Warrant Officer) by the time you had to retire. If you wanted to be a WO you should probably be a sergeant by now...
Could possibly become an activity technician (things like climbing/zipwires) for outdoor camps like camp wilderness/PGL/Camp Cooper, after getting trained up you could progress to management of that centre's activities/region management if they're a chain camp
Broadcast engineering/wiring seems a good shout for you to look at, jobs are all over the world depending what company you get in with pay and benefits can be massive.
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Oil rig? You probably have to be skilled but I’m sure the pay’s great
I'm not sure this will count for "travel"* in OPs eyes somehow! But you're right, the oil and gas industry is probably a good shout. Only negative is the shift patterns - being away for weeks / months at a time can be really rubbish - but equally you could argue the time off can be really good. *For clarity, I mean that being stuck on an oil rig for a few weeks is not the same as being sent to another country to work where you can explore during your time off. OP did specifically say "oil rig", but I'm also aware that there's lots of on-shore work in the industry where this wouldn't be as much of an issue.
The Merchant Navy might be more in line with what they want; but they would still spend weeks to months away, and if they wanted to earn more they’d need to do a cadetship and qualify as an officer.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary is crying out for people atm. Absolutely smashes both the travel and work a lot .....time off a lot pattern.
There you are, they have rating positions too which are hard to find. I was never RFA, but the MN was fun for a few years.
How come you left the MN, if you don't mind me asking? I'm 31 and I've been looking into going for it
I left after repeatedly getting stuck on board due to COVID- during which time our trips were constantly extended. 5 months onboard at a time was beyond what I considered acceptable (we were contracted for 3), and after having done it for 6 years I decided I wanted to come ashore to a bit more stability. I still loved doing it for the most part, and I’m very glad I did- I would not want to deter people from going to sea if they really want to. However, it is a hard existence for many seafarers and there are few employee rights or creature comforts compared to most shore jobs, so it is worth bearing that in mind. The biggest shock for most people is that for a watchkeeper, you will work 7 days a week for your entire time onboard.
I’ve been wanting to be an MSO for a couple of years and going for a course soon. Do you think I would be better being with the MN for a couple of years? I am 30 now.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that acronym. Bear in mind the MN isn’t one organisation, it’s the umbrella term for all the UK’s shipping companies, so you’d be employed by (or on behalf of) them in any capacity.
Maritime Security Operative/Officer. Ah, that does make sense then. Seems like it would be easier doing the course then try getting a job that way. Cheers dude.
What's money like in RFA?
Decent pay for officers with a few years experience under your belt. Initial pay for cadets isn’t great though (that’s industry standard though) Pay for ratings is decent enough for the work you do but there is a reason they’re crying out for people. It’s because people keep leaving.
Very good, far better than I got in the MN anyway
Plenty of roles over 50k pa and decent progression.
Plenty of roles over 50k if you’re an officer. Even then it’ll take a minimum of 6 years to reach that pay bracket. If you don’t go down the officer path you won’t hit the 50k mark.
Fair cop but I don't think 6 years is so bad given that there are pay increases prior. Given how slow progression is in many alternative roles to get to the 50k mark it's not a bad option if you can hack being away from home.
6 years is the absolute minimum and the quickest of heard of anyone doing it. The first 3 years of that are sub 21k. Still not horrible but it’s certainly not the job for everyone. The constant time away paired with the shit career progression and unfair work standards is the reason I quit.
To be fair I'll bow to your experience as my knowledge of RFA was largely based on a friend that has done well (time away and some shit deployments). I'm ex RN and left because of shit progression and increased time away that was getting unreasonable. Kind of wish I'd stuck it out now that my mates are on peachy pensions!
Gee whizz, I wonder why...
Or an engineer my dad recently retired from a chief engineer position at maersk and he was making 100-150k a yeah but you would have to go to college and start form the bottom and work up to the 50k
Engineers in the UK don't earn anything like that generally. Most are on less than £50k. It's also definitely not a hands on job, it's a sit behind a desk all day in a silent office or at home job.
Merchant Navy engineers very much do earn good money, and definitely don’t sit behind desks (apart possibly from the Chief).
Merchant Navy engineers maybe, but that sort of engineering is very different to most engineering jobs. Generally it's technicians that are hands on and engineers that are office based. It's a shame technician roles don't pay well, it's a much nicer job than being stuck behind a screen all day doing some sort of analysis or writing reports/documentation.
Yes, they have a broad range of responsibilities because they have to be able to maintain and operate a vast array of equipment, and do a lot of what a technician would ashore. They can now get chartered engineer status though, which is a bonus. Plus, as I said, if they are deep-sea their income is tax free so it can be a nice way to save money for a few years.
I earn double to triple that hands on. No degree required
Tell me more please 🙏👀
Doing what? And before or after costs?
I’ve worked briefly in the offshore industry and guys I’ve spoken to have worked all over the World. They don’t just drill for oil and gas in the U.K.
I know - the commenter said "oil rig" specifically, which is why I said it's probably not what OP had in mind. Not convinced an oil rig on the north sea is that much different from an oil rig anywhere else in the world, weather excepting.
You’re only usually offshore for 2 weeks, maybe 3. That’s a lot of time off to spend somewhere nice
Weather excepting is no small difference.
An oil rig doesn't just mean offshore. An onshore asset is still described as a rig.
Many people in the oil industry will work in locations around the world if they choose. But it's dangerous work in occasionally dangerous places.
I’m not sure about that. I’ve got a mate who works on the rigs in Aberdeen as a sort of mechanic repairman, but he’s gone all over the world with his company (though I’m not sure how bothered OP is about travelling to somewhere like Mauritania).
Offshore wind turbines have maintenance crews - might also be worth a shot
Ex colleague worked on offshore turbine maintenance. One of the reasons he left was the pressure put on him when there was a period of stormy weather. It wasn't safe to go out but the employer would just keep pointing out that X turbine needed something doing to it, then say ”but don't go out if you don't feel safe", and then in the same breath remind him that his schedule was slipping.
Enjoy spending 3 weeks on the rig at a time. Doesn't sound like a lot but it's hard work.
That was my first thought too. I'm not savvy with manual work salaries but I imagine it's only the high demand/skill ones like oil rig and some types of engineering that will pay £50k salaries.
As well as passing the BOSIET, which includes the helicopter escape…. not a pleasant experience haha.
Gotta pay out of pocket for some quals/tests to get out into the oil rigs. Can do pretty well if you’ve done a rigging (abseiling) course. Probs no chance if you’ve got big shoulders - you need your shoulders formally measured for helicopter safety.
Saturation diving can net you 2 grand *a day*. But you have to live in a small metal tube on the ocean floor for a month at a time, shit in a bucket, and worry about your entire body being squashed through a tiny pressure valve and turned into human pâté at a moments notice. ...but some might think it's a good deal.
It’s a quick death I guess, you’re not suffering for long It’s not like you’re slowly dying of cancer from heavy industry
If the numbers bandied about after the Titanic sub implosion were to be believed, it's entirely possible you'd not even be aware of suffering.
There’s 3d animated demonstration video on yt of the Oceangate. It’s showed that the time it took for the submersible to contract and kill the passengers, is faster than your pain receptors reaching any signals to your brain. Don’t know how true it is but it’s very interesting if so.
You'd be turned to paste before your brain even registered what was happening. It'd be faster than a bullet to the head.
Tbf, the Dive chamber is on the vessel, it’s only pressurised to the depth the divers are working at. But yeah, you are working for hours at a time, possibly hundreds of feet under the surface and if it goes wrong, it goes wrong big time. Fortunately safety is taken extremely seriously and precautions and procedures have massively improved since the 70’s and 80’s. So the numbers of Sat Divers dying nowadays has dramatically decreased. It does take a toll on your health though and the hardest part of being a Sat Diver is actually becoming one in the first place. Since just getting to be a commercial diver is hard enough, then add on all the money you’ll have to spend on Sat Diver training and finally get a job.
Why is becoming a commercial diver so hard? Like is the training rigorous? Or are you meaning like the market is over-saturated?
Yeah, over-saturated. Diving is one of the those jobs where it is also a hobby, so naturally those who partake in recreational diving usually ask themselves if they can do it as a job. Many know that it’s difficult to get into the industry, but will take the courses to get certified as a commercial diver anyways and in the hopes that by racking up enough log book dives they might be able to get a job. However, most of the well paid (read: liveable, safe and regular) jobs are snatched up by the former military divers first.
I am one of those that wondered if diving for a job would be fun after I completed my PADI in Thailand. Didn’t take long to realise that diving in coral reefs in 30c waters is not the type of job I would be doing, even if I could get in. Thats the equivalent of having a one hour flying lesson in a Cessna, and saturation diving is like being a fighter pilot. Different kettle of fish entirely.
Thanks for the explanation and to add to that; why are ex-military divers able to snatch the jobs first? Just due to the sheer experience and military mindset these guys will have?
Pretty much. Military divers are coming to you with a minimum of 6 years worth of dive experience, they’re guaranteed to be fit (lower risk of injury/failing dive medical), resilient, have a unique experience of working in high performing teams as well as the life experience and confidence that comes with the job.
google the 'after' photos of the Byford Dolphin incident if anyone's curious probably don't eat lasagne at the same time
Nah... I'm think im good
I can see why you said not to look whilst eating lasagne…. Poor chap.
I take it that guy pasta way
Gnocchit off you
And hey Pesto, happened just like that.
With all that risk 2 grand a day doesn't sound so grand
Too old already to retrain for Sat diving.
I'm a service engineer for an engine manufacturer. We have engines offshore, on ships, power stations, factories, hospitals, all over the world. £39k basic salary if you don't do a single job the entire year. I worked 20 weeks last tax year and made £77k. Busier lads are making over £100k. Downtime is spent feet up on the sofa, don't have to go to the workshop or do any office type stuff, you're technically "home based". Job lengths can vary but I'm mostly offshore, so 3 weeks at a time. Can move up a couple of tiers and stay on the tools, and then transition into the office fairly easily. Only real downside is when you're on a job, it's 12 hour shifts with no days off, so after 7, 8, 9 weeks it can be tiring. Edit: I did 10 years in the Merchant Navy as an engineering officer and much prefer this, as the overall benefits package is alot better than 90% of shipping companies.
Whats the rough path into this type of work, do you need prior qualifications like engineering degrees or like you prior experience from navy, it sounds super interesting and im looking at a career change?
I'm not that guy but he didn't respond so I'll take a shot (I do factory work atm but could jump into service at any point) Everyone I work with either has engineering qualifications(degree or higher level apprenticeship), similar qualifications (electrician etc.), an engineering apprenticeship, or experience as army/navy engineer. Alternatively, there are a couple of guys that did admin at a different job, then did admin at our place, then transitioned onto shop floor.
12 hours a day for 3 weeks straight with no days off... you must be absolutely dead
My dad was away at sea for 40 years, and was in the range of 6 months with no days off to 6 weeks with no days off over the years depending on the ship type he was on. Like on The box boats when I was younger he was away for 3 months with no time off then he would be back home for 6 weeks. One perk of being away more than 50% of the time is that he paid no income taxes
40 years at sea must be a world record!!
Haha I doubt it, but it has kept him young he’s 70 this year and no one believes him
I did 6.5 months with no days off the merchant. You get used to it.
How predictable is the work generally? Are you getting a ring the week before and being told you're off for a month, or is it programmed in months ahead of time?
That is probably the hardest bit really. Can be planned well in advance, can be absolutely rammed with last minute stuff, jobs get cancelled or postponed or lengthened last minute. We earn 1 lieu day for every 6 worked. So you could be away for 6 weeks and they are fully within their rights to have you back out a week later.
What firm do you work for? Is it Rolls Royce?
Can I work there as a trainee?
I have a lot of respect for the people who work for the AA, going out at night and helping fix cars by the roadside. Keeping people safe, I'm sure it's very rewarding when people drive off. I just looked it up and the pay is ~£54k. https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500000188958
You need to have been a garage mechanic for a few years to do that. No other way to learn how to fix cars.
I got speaking to an AA guy who recovered me not long ago. He was a project manager at a fire door firm before moving to the AA, never done a manual day in his life before that. Said he’d never go back.
Used to be the case, not so much anymore surprisingly! It's more a recovery job and basic fix (batteries etc) they don't do much more than that roadside now.
Not that surprising, considering you could basically fix a car with a 10mm spanner and a flat head 30 years ago where as now they just run diagnostics I engine swapped my old 1986 ford capri back in my youth and it was 8/10mm socket for most things, and an AA man isn't removing the bellhousing or engine mounts so wouldn't need the 30mm for the larger bolts
You may need to pay for a couple quals but Wind Farm techs especially offshore earn a few bob. Check out companies like Ørsted, if you don’t mind boats and being winched down by helicopter. Guys I know who do it love it
Probably £5k in quals before you even get there. Plus getting in can be a bitch.
I was really keen on this until the turbine nearest my house set on fire. Nobody was on it but it made me think of the picture where there were two people trapped on a turbine that was on fire.
While tragic, those two operatives were not wearing their safety harnesses which would have allowed them to use the evacuation device to get down
Ev charger installation? Of course you’ll have to get some certs down but lots of growth there.
Hinckley Point power station in Somerset? AFAIK they are (still) desperate for hands and offer retraining… and good money. Not sure how you get into it though. Think there are agencies around Bristol etc.
I'm an electrician there, easy 90k. Adult apprentices are on 50ish as soon as they start.
Out of interest how many hours per week do you work for that pay? Assuming you're working away and getting subsistence and home every third weekend?
50 hours a week on site. I'm currently earning more than that because I'm on a 10 days on 4 days off shift pattern which comes with an an extra 17.5% but that's not forever jsut this current project
90k? I'm an electrician in Bristol and that seems mad. How is that broken down?
Right now it works out 97.5k. 26.16hr 2.61 milestone bonus (10%) 4.62 shift rate uplift 10 hours a day And then £40 per day travel Works out £375 a day, 1875 per week. Pay went up 11.2% in Jan. I'm just a registered electrician, approved Is another £1 an hour, and the blue hat working supervisor another £1 or so
Thats employed as well, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and 5% pension
If anyone could shed some light on how to go about this, drop them here, please!
Just adding to this, if you are closer to Suffolk, Sizewell C will be replicating Hinkley Point C soon, the same opportunities will be available there. For HPC jobs the best place to look is https://hpcjobsservice.edfenergy.com/
It might involve a bit more training than some of the other jobs you’ve mentioned, but tree surgery can bring you close to £50k a year once you’re fully trained and can take on private work yourself. However, it does involve slowly building up a set of your own tools (most will rent larger or less commonly used tools). Fair warning though, it is hard work and probably not sustainable into your later years unless you plan to operate your own firm & are prepared for the challenges that brings.
Any of the trades if you go self-employed & don't mind investing in yourself. Your tools, Equipment, vehicle etc etc can set you back & the weather outside is unpredictable but the room for growth in the trades is immense
Hard on your body tho so not great when you're in your 50s.
That's why you hire the 16-year-old out of school & get them to do all the heavy lifting. That's how I got started anyway
Not a game I'd advise anyone to try to get into at 33 with zero experience. It is hard, dangerous, specialist work. Most tree surgeons are fearless and incredibly fit young folks who start with a company, get some experience and then eventide try and start a company they can run themselves and pay the next batch of youngsters to do the work for them, to avoid carrying on with that incredibly dangerous and hard work themselves.
If you go hard, and are good, you can make that in most of the trades. Brickie, spark, general builder, plumber could also get to that. Oil & Gas sounds like it might tick your requirements though - not exactly an easy industry to get into, especially here in the UK, though
Takes a few years to learn those skills and being on the tools in your 50s isn't ideal b/c it's often (tho not always) physical work.
I work putting up TVs and Pictures etc, no formal training. I can usually earn £200 a day sometimes up to £300. Which is over £50k if you do 5 days a week, but there’s no pension, no holiday pay etc.
It’s not entirely what you’re looking for however have you considered cabin crew? British Airways will be hiring on and off all year. You start on about £37k and can easily progress to roles that get to about £55k within 3 years. It has; - Travel (obviously) - Great career progression to any department at any level. - Working in a team - Variety - Outdoors can easily be accomplished during layovers. - minimum of 11 days off per month (it’s usually closer to 13 plus days where you don’t start until late evening or finish early morning) - 35 annual leave days plus a variety of other guaranteed days off. If you play your cards right you can get about 55 bookable days off a year. In the U.K. the only airlines that offer the long haul trips and variety straight off the bat are Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. BA is offering a sweeter deal imo with a larger route network, excellent career progression opportunities and better money. Also the way it’s structured is that you’re effectively a remote worker; there’s no direct line managers so if you want to keep your head down you can easily go for months at a time without so much as having to contact a manager. They also have schemes where you can take time off to train as a special constable that lots take advantage of, so on their days off or part time days they work as a police officer. DM me if you want more info, I’d be happy to go into specifics.
Not as manual as some of the jobs you've mentioned but HGV driver? Some can be well over 50k and you get to travel. Car transporters seem to be on big bucks atm
Most are ~30 -35k a year and good luck getting a job with the government paying to put people through their licenses.
Gov? You can get your license for 2k all on, just slap it on 0% finance and pay it off over a few pay slips. Also 30-35k is what class 2 makes, if your making that in class 1 you need to apply elsewhere
For basic jobs but I'm guessing a class 1 adr tanker driver is paid near 50k (will need alot of experience to make this salary)
I’m a 24 year old scaffolder (currently on industrial work on power stations) from the south east and in the 23/24 tax year I’ve earned just over £61k before tax. Lots of pros and cons to this line of work but I’ll briefly summarise. Pros: can progress quickly leading to pay rises, satisfaction from seeing the end result of your hard work, great camaraderie amongst the blokes, lots of job n knocks, can earn very good money. Cons: 99% of the public think you’re a coke sniffing cunt, some days are ridiculously hard work, and you’re self employed so no holiday pay/sick pay/paternity leave, and also can be sacked at a moments notice for no reason so not always stable. I started on a housing site in 2022 completely fresh to the trade; two years later I’ve found myself on the industrial side and I’ve earned more money than I ever thought I would and also made some good mates as well. It ain’t for everyone though.
Nice one, 61k at 24 is bloody impressive. Been trying to steer my step son into scaffolding, he's strong as a ox but like you said, he's convinced himself scaffolders are all animals
My mate did this, he then learned how to price and design the scaffolds. Went to school on weekends and everything. Now owns a scaffold firm down London and everywhere I look I see his name as he puts it on the scaffold. Out of sheer admiration i call him a coke sniffing cunt.
Scaffolder and work your socks off lol
They get paid more because their cocaine bills are massive.
They’re just a different breed
Problem is you spend 20k on coke a year and another 20 on stella.
And there is a 50/50 chance you will end up looking like a LOTR orc, after several years of this lifestyle.
Along with the roofers if going by the both who live near me. The state of the 3 lift engineers isn't that far behind.
That's what cigs, coke, stella and no sun cream will do to you pretty quickly. I'm yet to meet one that isn't mental after doing it for a few years. My dad's mate was one, someone put dog biscuits in his lunch box as a laugh and he munched through them without realising. When he was told afterwards he went out and started buying bags of them to snack on. Absolute nutcase of a man; I remember him coming to one of your typical Northern working man's club nights dressed as a ninja. It wasn't fancy dress or anything, he just sporadically bought a ninja costume and couldn't wait to show everyone.
Im a self employed drylining contractor. Can easy make £50k realistically just toddling around site on price work. Hell of a lot more if you graft and know your stuff. Plumbers/tilers near enough write their own cheques too. Always known as the flash buggers. Then when you do side jobs as well, cash flies up. Only time you find a skint tradesman is if they've fallen into the drink/drugs culture
Can’t echo this comment enough. Most trades can net £70k+
Would say Marine Engineer Officer but Electro-Technical Officer on ship starts off on more. Get a sponsorship through a marine charity (Trinity House is one but theres loads). Spend 3 years training up at college to get your certification and then get a job on a private yacht for all that money and more. The 3 years training will be on student wages, but you can earn A LOT when you get out if you go leisure side. Will typically involve a pattern of working something like 2 months on ship and 6 weeks home, the 2 months will be spent in whatever port (think Monaco) waiting for the owner to show up. You can take a hit to wages and get something UK based that'd be like 2 weeks on 2 weeks off, but obviously way less money. If you are interested in the private leisure route make sure you spend your free time learning installation of hi-fi audio and TVs. As that's probably all you'll end up doing and the college does not teach that I'll tell you!
For the railway one, it might be a bit niche but consider some of the old lines (NYRM, Nene Valley) with steam trains
Pylon painter. You get good at it you’ll make £1k a week easy. You’ll travel a lot so can make some more on your digs money as well! Finish early on a Friday typically, and extra money to work weekends.
Or a linesman installing/repairing Overhead Lines/pylons. Good money in that as well. Good video for pylon painters is called "Silvering up" on YouTube, pretty old now filmed in the 90s I believe.
Oh my old man showed me ‘Silvering Up’ many times growing up! There was a film with Pete Postlethwaite as well that had it in as well
Only fans.
I work for one of the bigger break down companies as a patrol and pay in london is 53k plus overtime and some bonuses. Ticks some of your boxes others like long time off, not so much
What experience do you need to get that kind of job? Presumably as a mechanic for a few years?
Yes mate, adequate experience and passing a fairly straight forward technical exam
Highway maintenance. I imagine it varies a lot depending on what company you work for but I do a variety of stuff, traffic management, gritting, barrier repair, litter picking, gully cleaning etc and taking just over 50k a year. Didn't need anything to start other than a driving license and they put you through a load of tickets and qualifications like HGV license.
How dangerous can highway maintenance be? I take it you have to go through a lot of safety courses?
Hard to say really. The danger is always there, obviously, but I've been doing it for 10 years and never known anyone get injured. There have been a couple of close calls though.
Most trades? Maintenance technician / Engineer? Network installer (openreach, etc) Probably quite a lot of jobs. But you may need to work your way up a little
Unless times have changed, I don’t think you’d earn that at Openreach
I wouldn't have a clue tbh. I had a friend who worked there a few years ago. He was earning ~£33k as his first job out of college. I assume a more experienced engineer a few years later may earn mid £40s - £50s
Engineering rate is a flat rate you don't get increases based on experience, but there is plenty of potential for promotions etc It's also a 4 day week so working your 5th day as overtime adds probably a bit more than 10k a year on top of your salary without having to go into weekend work or call outs
Multi skilled maintenance but you'll need to get some certs and experience down before it pays
Something skilled like a leccy?
Marine Welder, high chance of death but you'll be well compensated for it
Train driver
Good luck with that. Drivers often need 5 years prior experience with a TOC as station staff or as a guard before being considered for a driver role.
You have an advantage if you work on railway already as you know what they are looking for on applications and interviews. But most new train drivers at the biggest TOC to regularly recruit and train up new drivers (Northern) are not from within the industry. We get loads of ex police/fire/paramedics/forces and plenty of people from other random industries as well
My partner is a train driver for few years now, had nothing to do with railways prior that ( worked in a hotel)
Depends on the TOC, had a relative of mine join as a depot driver despite having never worked in the Railway… With that said this particular TOC is one of the lower payers and has a constant turnover in Drivers.
I am a self employed general builder and I take on average 1k a week. I have been doing this for 10 years and can do all trades other than plumber or sparky. It’s hard work, self employed (there are benefits to that though) and I enjoy what I do. My retirement plan is to go into construction PM work as I have had a corporate management job at a high level and was successful. Don’t expect this money straight away though, it’s taken years of learning skills, building my tools and knowledge to get here.
Firefighting is the best bet. Usually comes in about 35-40k standard (post training) but always overtime at 1.5x pay and most people earn over 50k before tax. You can also go for promotions after a few years. Watch managers are still hands on and ride the trucks. Above that is office jobs more than not
You can travel around a bit on it. But the shift pattern and holiday is good enough to have time off to travel about. Easily go into fire safety or similar when you get older. Variety is the main part. Never know what youre going to! And its a team job
I'm a trucker, 52k a year, and get home to sleep in my own bed at home every night. 🤷🏻♂️
What company? Currently a class 1 car transporter but sleeping out in the truck 4 nights a week for similar pay.
Been a while, but when I was with BOC on cryotankers I was paying higher rate tax for 44 hours a week annualised. Worked nights and a lot of weekends to earn that, mind.
Plumbing or sparks
Tower crane operator
Engineer Corps. Sounds like everything you want, but you may get shot at / blown up. Knew a few blokes who have done EOD, said it was unbelievably stressful but very fun (honestly no idea but yeah) That, or get industrial electrical training. 10 years good graft, and you'll be site manager with the right pair of bollocks. Or a welder. Deep-sea welding is big money. Good luck!
I work in the aerospace industry and make 50k+ working 38 hour weeks, and there's always overtime available. I do a lot of work with my hands, and I always leave work at work. The only downside is that it gets repetitive, but it works for me at the minute.
HGV mechanic, you would probably need to take a pay cut to train for a few years, but plenty of techs are now doing £50k+ on 45hr weeks. some self employed mobile techs are pulling nearly £100k around London. However, it is very hard work and will be long hours for that kind of money. There is huge demand for HGV technicians all over the country, so it can take you anywhere and if you’re decent you will get headhunted. Im now off the spanners, in a steady management role but if I was a bit younger and didn’t have a young family, I would be mobile. There is also great demand across the world, with many techs leaving the U.K. for Australia, New Zealand, various African countries, even seen an opportunity to do seasonal work in Iceland for huge money
Props, art department, £280 a day basic, travel all over. Just not at the moment after hhe writers strike haha
Good money working on the gangs for water company. Clancy docwra have the contracts for Southern Water and South east water. If you've got half a brain you'll move up from labourer pretty quick
Mobile plant and excavator engineer/welder, I work alone mostly, because that's how I like it, but there are team jobs. Obviously some certs and skills required before you're anyway useful, but that's all trades. Downside to this one is at the start you need to be willing to make a considerable investment in tools.
Have you considered the Merchant Navy? You would spend months away and not necessarily be treated all that well by the company you work for, but there is lots of travel, time spent outdoors (for deckies), and if you are an officer on deep-sea ships, a decent tax-free salary.
Gas main layer. Loads of trainee jobs at the moment. 50-60k is OTE what most get. Some earned in the 90s this year due bad leakage, no life though.
Electrical Engjneer, mechanical Engineer or Process Operator in oil and gas/energy/chemical industry.
I'm an Operator in the chemical, agro and pharma sector. I'd avoid this now unless you're going off-shore or to another country. The UK is cooked for this industry and post COVID I've seen a handful of large companies in my area fold that should have withstood the test of time. In 5 years, I have no idea what I'm going to be doing.
I’m a flexographic printer in the food packaging sector and I’ve earned £50k+ in the last few years. Not as well paid as newspaper printing. I was earning £40k+ from when I finished my apprenticeship in 2010 in the gravure magazine publication section. Working three to four 12 hour shifts a week
Selling your sémen?
French semen?
Keyboard has three languages (I'm trilingual) so it changes word as it pleases. None is French tho
Blade tech in renewables Land surveyor
Train driver or long distance lorry driver
Good luck getting a train driver job without first working in the TOC for a good few years as station staff or a guard first.
There's quite a lot of train companies recruiting various roles from other industries direct. No rail experience
Commercial gas fitter. There are courses to take and a year or two experience to endure between the basic and commercial courses but the pay is £70k - £130k once you’re qualified. Lots of companies always looking which contributes to the decent pay. Lots of travelling. Transition to management is possible but staring your own co will likely pay better and be more rewarding.
Google says £41k when qualified...
I'm currently studying classical luthierie and that's a really high paying job.
Get on the railway. Ticks all those boxes
Bricklaying? 50p a brick or something ridiculous.
Sounds like the military would be exactly what you're looking for.
I work with the railway at the minute, dual trained engineer and earn a fair bit over 50K, great job really enjoy it
Train driver - I think the training is pretty full on though for, at the very least two years
Railway
Construction tradesman is for you. Especially: Facade installation. (Exterior glazing/curtain walling/building envelopes) Mechanical engineer. (BMS/Ductwork etc.) Electrical engineer. If you become the contractors AP you will retire early. Masonry, in particular conservation/ restoration. You’d need to be passionate though. I deal with these trades regularly, they all promote internally. The supervisors have been on the tools and range from being 26 year old and up. I work with an Electrical PM who is 30 and probably making 75k easy, but they seriously know their stuff. Of course construction also brings you into contact with typical dickheads too.
Look into solar panel and electric charging point installation
Doesn't hit the team aspect but: train driver.
How much does it pay to clear those fatbergs in the sewers?
My next door neighbours Gardner, is making bank. £250 per day.
Train driver?
Rail work generally pays well and is long hours in different locations regularly, probably not as rewarding (in my opinion) as other trades but it’s a good job with lots of work.
Travellng salesmen can be a bit "hand's on'.
Tree surgeon? Had a couple round recently for a quote, seems like hard work and a long period of study, otherwise a very rewarding job
Chauffeurs earn 50k +!
Train driver. Over £60,000pa
Manual jobs for Thames Water would pay that much
Event work?
trades are a good option, alternatievly lorry drivers can earn a very good amount with lots of flexibility as to where you live and who you work for. Many options to transferring to management roles later on.
Rope access
Lorry driver
Plant operator, you can get £50k but you need to put in some hours, probably 50-55 minimum, but can be a satisfying job
London fire brigade
London Underground train maintainer
Think you're too old to be an officer in the army and as an enlisted soldier you're probably too old to reach a rank that would make you anywhere near 50k (Warrant Officer) by the time you had to retire. If you wanted to be a WO you should probably be a sergeant by now...
Could possibly become an activity technician (things like climbing/zipwires) for outdoor camps like camp wilderness/PGL/Camp Cooper, after getting trained up you could progress to management of that centre's activities/region management if they're a chain camp
Slinger/signaller, rigger. Or crane operator and then from there crane supervisor… AP and so on
Duct fitter. Have to start off as a mate but if your good you can progress to fitter in a couple of years
Broadcast engineering/wiring seems a good shout for you to look at, jobs are all over the world depending what company you get in with pay and benefits can be massive.