UNLEASHING ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS: THE TRADES TRAINING SCHOOL JOURNEY

Are you ready to take charge of your career and start your own business? At Trades Training School, we not only provide comprehensive training but also offer unwavering support to empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. 

 Transitioning to a new career can be a daunting task, especially after spending years in a different field. However, our success stories speak volumes about the transformative power of retraining, showcasing the incredible possibilities that lie beyond gaining new skills. 

 One inspiring tale comes from one of our earliest students, a former area manager who decided to venture into the world of tiling. Upon completing our Wall & Floor Tiling course, he not only acquired essential skills but also received continuous support to establish a thriving business. This success story goes beyond personal achievements—it has evolved into entrepreneurship, mentorship, and industry leadership. Read his story here. 

 Our commitment at Trades Training School goes beyond simply offering courses; it's about unlocking the entrepreneurial potential within each individual. Our focus is on tailoring solutions that transcend conventional training boundaries, allowing individuals to shape their entrepreneurial journeys at their own pace. 

 Whether through intensive courses or gradual accumulation of experience, we ensure there's a suitable route for everyone. The immediate impact of our hands-on, practical courses is felt in the workplace, fostering enthusiasm and excellence among our students. Our curriculum is designed to address real-world challenges, positioning our students as catalysts for positive change in the tiling, plastering and plumbing industries. 

 Behind our success stories are industry-respected instructors with practical experience and a profound understanding of the challenges faced in the field. These mentors go beyond traditional education, guiding each student towards excellence. In our small classes with personalised attention, we prioritise diverse learning styles, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities that extend far beyond the training courses. 

 Our commitment to flexibility also extends beyond the school. We provide after-course support covering the practical aspects of running a business, ensuring our students are well-equipped with the knowledge of pricing and quoting for work. Our support groups create a platform for students to seek advice, allowing them to build their businesses at their own pace. 

 Over the last 16 years, we have proudly launched over 1000 businesses, each with its unique success story. Our flexible approach, industry-specific training, and unwavering support lay the foundation for success in the competitive world of tiling. Don't just adapt to industry changes—lead the change with Trades Training School! 

BESPOKE TRAINING - VETERANS HOUSING SCOTLAND

It’s back to business as usual at the school, with the first few busy weeks now under our belt. A highlight last week was a bespoke training day for Veterans Housing Scotland (VHS), where we delivered training tailored to their unique needs.  Our focus was on providing development training for the dedicated Visiting Officers at VHS. This initiative aimed to equip them with the skills needed to identify and address issues within VHS properties, ensuring the best possible support for their tenants.

The training day saw the active participation of a team of Visiting Officers, including Kevin Gray, Chief Executive, and Stephen Elliot, Deputy Chief Executive. Facilitated by our expert instructors, Iain Martin and Alex Alexander, renowned plumbing experts, as well as our founder and lead tiling instructor Antony O’Neil.

As a former member of the armed forces, Antony understands just how vital the services provided by VHS are, and embrace the opportunity to collaborate with organisations like VHS. At Trades Training School, we’re committed to supporting veterans and take pride in offering training to individuals transitioning from the forces.

We believe in maintaining connections with organisations like VHS, and in a fortunate twist of fate, a few of Antony’s VHS colleagues were actively seeking training solutions, and our expertise proved to be an ideal match.
We're honoured to have played a role in empowering VHS with valuable skills and knowledge. This collaboration exemplifies our dedication to making a positive impact in the community and reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who have served our nation.

OUR COURSES IN 2024

Make 2024 the year you learn a trade! We have courses that cover everything, whether you’re looking for help with DIY or want to launch a new career. Start dates for most of our courses are flexible, meaning you fit learning around work, studying and life!

Here's a quick overview of what we offer ↓

 

WALL & FLOOR TILING COURSES



1-week Tiling Course

2-week Wall & Floor Tiling Course (City&Guilds 6219)

4-week Wall & Floor Tiling Course (City&Guilds 6219)

Wall & Floor Tiling Diploma Level 1

Wall & Floor Tiling Diploma Level 2

Wall & Floor Tiling NVQ Level 2

1-day Wet Room Tiling Course

 

PLUMBING COURSES



5-week Bathroom Fitting Course

1-week Plumbing Course

2-week Plumbing Course (City&Guilds 6219)

Plumbing Diploma Level 2

Plumbing NVQ Level 2

Hot water Systems (1 day course)

Water Regulation & Byelaws (1 day course)

 

PLASTERING COURSES



1-week Plastering Course

2-week Plastering Course (City&Guilds 6219)

Plastering Diploma Level 1

Plastering Diploma Level 2

Plastering NVQ Level 2

3-day Venetian Plastering Course

2-day Microcement Course

 

Take a look at our courses page for more details. If you fancy coming for a visit before committing, we’d love to show you round - just give us a call or drop us an email to arrange.

TILING DEMO EVENT WITH NICOBOND

Last Friday Shaun Cardwell of Nicobond joined us at the school to share invaluable knowledge and insights with students from our tiling courses, past and present.

Over the course of the morning, we covered multiple topics including: large format tiling, epoxy grout, tiling onto timber floors, BSEN classification, levelling compound, wet rooms & tanking, as well as info on the new NHBC guidelines coming into force on 1st January 2024.

There were also plenty of opportunities for attendees get hands on trying products and techniques under the guidance of the expert!

Make sure to keep an eye out on our social channels, or sign up for our newsletter, for news of our next demo day.

More information about our tiling courses can be found here 

 

Antony O'Neil and Shaun Cardwell of Nicobond at Trades Training School Edinburgh       Nicobond Demo Day at Trades Training School in Edinburgh

GILLIAN SHOWS US AROUND THE SCHOOL

Ever wondered what the school actually looks like inside? Well now you can find out! Follow Gillian around for a short tour and hopefully you’ll get a better sense of what it’s like training here with us…

CALLING ALL TILERS: FREE HALF-DAY DEMONSTRATION EVENT!

We’re excited to announce that Shaun Cardwell from leading adhesive manufacturer Nicobond, will be joining us here at the school for a demonstration event open to ALL tilers.

Shaun’s demo will cover:

• Large format tiling
• Epoxy grout
• Tiling onto timber floors
• BSEN classification
• Levelling compound
• Wet rooms and tanking
• Intro to new NHBC guidelines coming into force on 1st January 2024

Join us at 9.30am on FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER. After the demo, a light lunch will be provided.

Please drop us an email to let us know you’re coming, or if you have any questions: [email protected]

VENETIAN PLASTERING - NEW DATE

Learn the art of Venetian Plastering on our immersive 3-day course, starting on January 8, 2024. You'll be tutored in classic polished plasters by a seasoned specialist with 15 years of experience. This course caters to both novices and those seeking to enhance their existing skills. From preparation and priming to applying Venetian Plasters and protective finishes, you'll gain comprehensive insights. Even if you're new to trowel work, you're welcome here.

To secure your place, click here, or for additional details, reach out to us at [email protected] or call 0131 6611833. Post-course, our support extends with a WhatsApp group and direct telephone assistance from Cait at Whitson's for product selection and application guidance.

Venetian Plastering, with its rich historical significance, is not only a part of architectural heritage but a contemporary interior design element, making it versatile. Acquiring these skills can elevate your trade offerings, potentially leading to high-paying projects.

Our training environment is informative and nurturing, backed by a dedicated team. We can also assist you in setting up your own business and gaining work experience. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to join our plastering support group, maintaining contact with instructors and seasoned plasterers for ongoing support.

A RECENT 5-STAR REVIEW ON TRUST PILOT FOR OUR VENETIAN PLASTERING COURSE

“Everyone that runs and teaches are fantastic they make you feel really welcome and at ease have plenty time to teach you and have great knowledge and I came away feeling brilliant and that I had learnt a new trade. Highly recommended for courses. I did the Venetian Plaster Course. Loved it.”

YOUTUBE SERIES: TOOLS OF THE TRADE | WET CUTTERS

Part 2 of our new YouTube series has just dropped!

In August we launched an engaging new series titled 'Tools of the Trade' over on our YouTube channel. Our second instalment shines a spotlight on wet tile cutters.

Because we know it can be daunting when deciding where to splash the cash, in this video Antony explores the pros and cons of a few of our favourites, offering practical advice for budding tilers and pros alike.

Make sure to subscribe to our channel to stay informed as we delve into the essential 'Tools of the Trade’.

 

CASE STUDY: JOHN MACKAY | CITY & GUILDS PLUMBING DIPLOMA

John’s story is one we see a lot of at the school – where an employer wants to up-skill their staff but doesn’t have on-site training. In John’s case, his employer Mitie - one of the UK's largest facilities management and professional services company – wanted another member of their team trained in plumbing.

John works for the Mechanical & Electrical Facilities Management team servicing Lloyds Banking Group, and began our City & Guilds Plumbing Diploma in March 2023, finishing in August.

John’s supervisor said: “It was really easy to fit the training around the team's schedule. John was able to do a week per month instead of a 6-week block which made this more manageable.

The team has benefited as we now have someone else with a plumbing qualification, and with John's plumbing-based skill set he can help on more sites. John will be able to share his knowledge with colleagues as and when the need arises.

We would definitely recommend the training to someone else looking to up-skill. The flexibility in the training and being able to pick and choose training dates to suit the business was a great help and one of the main reasons we chose this course.”

If you’d like to find out more about our courses, or to come in to see our courses in action, get in touch on 0131 6611 833 or email [email protected]

NEW BATHROOM FITTING COURSE

Our exciting new Bathroom Fitting course is a comprehensive 5-week course that covers all aspects of plumbing and tiling. We're not just scratching the surface; we're immersing you in every aspect you need to master to confidently remove, plan, and replace a bathroom.

You will grasp the core principles of plumbing and tiling, all with a laser focus on achieving the perfect bathroom finish. Say goodbye to those awkward plumbing challenges because we're equipping you with the skills to plan flawlessly, leaving no tile behind!

In this course, you'll not only learn how to create a room plan but also how to expertly decommission the old bathroom and install and commission the new one with maximum efficiency. It's all about doing it right the first time.

This course caters to seasoned plumbers and experienced tilers who want to elevate their bathroom fitting game. It's equally welcoming to complete beginners ready to embark on the journey of bathroom transformation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to become a bathroom fitting pro!

The course is designed and led by our founder, Antony O'Neil, who brings over two decades of hands-on expertise from our sister company ERE Developments, where he has mastered the art of bathroom design. His wealth of experience has been skilfully woven into the fabric of this course, ensuring you'll explore the full spectrum of bathroom design, from its challenges to its boundless opportunities.

More course details here https://tradestraining.co.uk/tiling-course/bathroom-fitting-5-weeks/

Start dates will be available from 25 September 2023. Please call or email to register your interest. 0131 6611833 / [email protected]