Construction techniques and materials are constantly developing and the main driving force these days is the need to be more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. There are some exciting innovations around at the moment in the fields of renewable energy and recycling and there is a constant demand for people with the relevant skills and knowledge of these new technologies.

This demand means that there is potential for increased earnings, particularly for electricians and plumbers who demonstrate the ability to; for example, install ground source heat pumps, solar panels, or systems that harvest rainwater for domestic use. The best course of action is to find suitable renewable energy courses and gain recognised qualifications, such as City & Guilds and NVQs.

Depending on your current skill base, you might find that a general introductory course is a good place to start. Alternatively, it may be that specialist training, such as that provided by solar PV courses are more appropriate. If you are thinking about switching to a more profitable line of business, it is definitely worth looking at the renewable energy sector for inspiration. Updating your construction skills by learning about green technologies can lead to more work or even a new career path.

At the very least, it will help you keep up to date with new developments, so that you do not get left behind. Most trades-people, such as gas engineers and electricians, are obliged to maintain their qualifications on a regular basis anyway, so it makes sense to ensure that you stay ahead of the pack.