According to a new survey by Logic4training, becoming multi-skilled could be a good move for building services installers looking for a more profitable 2019, with over 75% of survey respondents reporting increased profits as a result of upskilling. 

The survey, which drew responses from 120 building services installers, set-out to discover how tradespeople developed their skillsets and the benefits this had to their business, demonstrated the popularity of diversifying beyond initial training.

88% of building services installers add to their skill-set later on in their careers, with benefits such as enhanced work satisfaction, larger customer base, and an increased hourly rate attributed to being multi-skilled.

Gas is the most popular area to up-skill into, 61% of respondents made this move after starting their career in another field; particularly popular amongst plumbers (73% have added gas qualifications to their arsenal). On average, respondents who had upskilled did so in approximately two other disciplines, with the majority undertaking independent training courses (73%), followed by on-the-job training (46%). 40% combined a course with work experience.

Overwhelmingly (93%), recommended upskilling, with anecdotal evidence including:

• "For self-development and a better chance of moving on in your career."
• "You can offer complete installation and servicing services to your customers and cut out using sub-contractors to cover your skill shortage."
• "This industry is always changing and you need to continue training or be left behind."

Mark Krull, Director for Logic4training, said: "With over 75% of our survey respondents stating increased profits as a result of upskilling, the benefits of being multi-skilled are clear. We offer a range of training programmes for experienced installers looking to diversify into related areas - such as gas and electrical work. If you haven't done so already, maybe 2019's the time to move from one trade to two (or more!)"