The subject of skills was discussed by the #TradesTalk community on Twitter this week, particularly looking at the attributes that might be useful for tradespeople, aside from the technical knowledge needed for each individual trade.
Here is our round-up of the best bits.
The first question looked at what people thought the most important skills were for a successful tradesperson.
A1: So many things! I think marketing yourself is pretty important, being able to understand the benefits to having a social media presence and up to date website. #TradesTalk
— London Gas (@LondonGas) February 26, 2019
A1. Communication, being able to multi-task, give attention to detail, be methodical and to know your worth #TradesTalk
— Al Fitzjohn (@AJFitzLtd) February 26, 2019
Common sense!
— Prestons Electrical (@PrestonElec) February 26, 2019
Then the discussion moved on to the skills – not necessarily work related – that the community would love to master. Playing a musical instrument was a popular answer but there were some other great suggestions.
A2. Play the guitar #tradestalk
— Bourton Handyman (@BourtonHandyman) February 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/snlhomerepairs/status/1100491013934776320
https://twitter.com/Liz_365concrete/status/1100490320100368386
The next question looked at the skills that tradespeople look for when hiring an apprentice.
A3: willingness to learn and to ask questions. #tradestalk
— Elektroworks (@ElektroworksUK) February 26, 2019
A3: I’ve ALWAYS said the person is the most important thing , I can teach everything else but I can change how someone is. Honest and Respectful would be the biggest things I would look for #Tradestalk
— Gary Bedford (@grbservices) February 26, 2019
There were lots of great answers to the next question, which looked at how the trades keep their skills up-to-date.
I go on Manufacturers courses read trade publications & have picked tips up on Twitter & YouTube #TradesTalk
— Andrew Stevenson Gas (@AS_PlumbingGas) February 26, 2019
Ive set a target of one training day a month this year
— 🛠 M B Plumbing 🛠 (@mbplumbers) February 26, 2019
A4. Read @proelectrician go to @Elexshow and always on the look out for new products and tools to make the end job better 😊👌#TradesTalk
— Anslow Electrical ® (@AnslowElectric) February 26, 2019
The next question highlighted the skilled people who inspire the #TradesTalk community.
@BoilerfitNW @lee84_swifty @nwillsdon94 @mk1plumbing18 for consistently banging our cracking jobs. I’m convinced they are robots #TradesTalk
— Matt (@DripFix) February 26, 2019
There’s a lad who has a work shop across from our yard @matty12b he’s a joiner and is a craftsman!
— Bruce Towers & Sons ltd (@TowersLtd) February 26, 2019
A5: @Unequaledheatin 😍 #TradesTalk pic.twitter.com/1g2m1ed2Dj
— Dr Boilers 🐰 (@DrBoilers) February 26, 2019
There are so many but I willl have to go with the #twitterfam @totalplumbinguk @BigWipes and @JGSpeedfit these go above and beyond!
— VIVA Sanitary (@vivasanitary) February 26, 2019
The final question of the evening was a bit of fun looking at unusual skills – and there were a few surprises!
I have this way. It may not be unique but I've never seen anyone else do it so it is kinda. I can peel the egg with a tea spoon quicker than you can butter your toast. 😂😂 I knock the egg on its head, poke the spoon in, wriggle it around & the egg comes out with zero shell mess
— Jay (@warmyourhome) February 26, 2019
A6) i have the Sat nav voice. (freaks friends right out lol) #TradesTalk
— Jennifer G Interiors (@Jenthedecorator) February 26, 2019
Memory pic.twitter.com/qAgYlr7eKP
— The #e5 Group (@group_e5) February 26, 2019
If you’d like to join in the #TradesTalk chat with tradespeople around the UK (and beyond), simply tune in from 8pm every Tuesday by following the hashtag.
