Forget IT - become a plumber!

Over the last year, more than 900,000 people have called the Learndirect careers helpline to help them change jobs. The typical call is from an office worker or IT consultant enquiring about becoming electricians or plumbers. The job with the most enquiries is a "domestic energy assessor"; the person who checks houses for their energy efficiency. This information is included in Home Information Packs, which are compulsory in the UK when people want to sell their houses.

Why do so many people want to work in traditional trades? Boredom is one reason, while others feel that they are working under their potential. Others are encouraged by the belief that earnings are much higher. In fact, a newly qualified plumber earns below £20,000, while a plumber with experience can hope to earn £30,000.