Trade jobs require a unique set of skills, and a well-crafted CV is essential to showcase your expertise, regardless of whether you work as a plasterer, painter, or carpenter. Recruiters looking for candidates for trade jobs usually focus on practical experience, technical skills, and certifications rather than traditional office experience. Whether you’re an apprentice or a seasoned professional, strong CV examples can help highlight your qualifications and make you stand out.

Build my CV

SEARCH ALL CV EXAMPLES

⚲

    CV examples for trade jobs in the UK

    A well-structured CV is the key to making a strong impression on recruiters. Using professional CV examples as inspiration ensures that your skills, experience, and qualifications are clearly presented, making it easier for employers to see your value.

    Build a winning application with myPerfectCV

    Our builder can help you write the perfect CV. Start today!

    Create my CV now

    Trade jobs CV templates

    Trade CVs can vary depending on your level of experience. Whether you’re an apprentice starting out, a skilled worker with practical expertise, or an experienced certified tradesman, your CV should be tailored to showcase your strengths. Below are some CV templates you can use as a guide when creating your own CV.

    Trade apprentice CV template

    Create my CVtrade apprentice cv template

    A trade apprentice CV doesn’t need extensive work experience to stand out. If you’re just starting out, the most important sections will be your skills, qualifications, and any practical experience you’ve gained through training or coursework. Use bold headings and clear formatting to highlight these areas, and place them at the top so recruiters see them first.

    Take a look at the example CV above – even without years of experience, the candidate is demonstrating practical skills from training and practical projects. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop within the trade is key to making a strong impression on employers.

    Carpenter CV template

    Create my CVcarpenter cv

    As a carpenter, your CV should focus on showcasing the key aspects of your skills. Highlight your ability to work with different materials and carpentry techniques such as framing, joinery, and finishing. Remember to emphasise your attention to detail, particularly in tasks such as accurate measuring and ensuring structural integrity. 

    Your teamwork skills are also crucial, as many carpentry projects require collaboration with other tradespeople. When creating your carpenter CV, be sure to include any experience in different environments – residential, commercial, or industrial carpentry – and demonstrate your adaptability to different job sites.

    Plasterer CV template

    Create my CVplasterer cv template

    Your plasterer CV should emphasise your mastery of key plastering techniques such as skimming, rendering, and patching, as well as experience with different materials such as plaster, drywall, and adhesives. When creating your job application, focus on your attention to detail in achieving smooth finishes and properly preparing surfaces. Use the example above to create a compelling plasterer job application and stand out to recruiters.

    Browse our extensive collection of professional CV templates to find inspiration for your own application.

    How to write a great trades CV

    In this section, you’ll learn how to write a trades CV that looks professional, highlights your skills, and meets the requirements of the UK job market.

    cv plumber

    Your CV should start with your contact details – but after reviewing our sample trade CVs, you probably already know this. Here’s what comes next:

    STEP 1

    Create a strong trades CV personal statement

    The personal statement, sometimes called a professional summary, is a short paragraph at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact details. It should be two to four sentences long and briefly describe your trade, key skills, and career goals.

    CV examples for tradespeople often include a statement highlighting enthusiasm for the role, a strong work ethic, and relevant training or certifications.

    Example of a personal statement for an apprentice plasterer:

    Hardworking and detail-orientated plastering apprentice with a strong understanding of surface preparation, skimming and rendering techniques. Currently completing NVQ Level 2 in Plastering and eager to apply technical knowledge and practical skills in a professional environment. Reliable, safety conscious and committed to quality workmanship.

    OR

    Example of a personal statement for an experienced carpenter:

    Skilled and reliable carpenter with over five years experience in residential and commercial projects. Skilled in joinery, framing and finishing with a strong knowledge of wood materials and structural integrity. Dedicated to precision, teamwork and delivering quality craftsmanship on every project.

    STEP 2

    Work experience for a trades CV

    Whether you’re an apprentice or an experienced tradesperson, your work experience section should highlight relevant roles, key responsibilities and practical skills. If you’re new to the industry, include practical experience from training, apprenticeships or personal projects.

    Example of work experience for an apprentice electrician:

    Electrical Apprentice (June 2023 – Current)
    Bright Sparks Ltd, Manchester

    • Assisting senior electricians with wiring installations and fault finding.
    • Gained practical experience in electrical safety procedures and compliance.
    • Worked on residential and commercial sites, learning to read and interpret technical drawings.
    • Developed skills in troubleshooting electrical systems and repairing equipment.
    STEP 3

    Key skills for a tradesperson CV

    Employers look for both technical and soft skills when hiring tradespeople. Highlighting a balance of these skills in your trades CV will make you stand out during recruitment.

    Technical skills are essential for manual trades. These include using hand and power tools, reading and interpreting blueprints, and following safety regulations. Other valuable technical skills may include site preparation, material handling, installation and repair work, and knowledge of specific trade practices such as welding, plastering, carpentry or plumbing.

    Soft skills are also important in a trade environment. Being a good problem solver will help you deal with unexpected challenges on site, while strong teamwork and communication skills will help you work effectively with colleagues and clients. Time management ensures that projects are completed efficiently, and attention to detail leads to quality workmanship. Adaptability and the ability to work under pressure are also valuable in a fast-paced commercial environment.

    When structuring the skills section of your CV, use bullet points for clarity, like this:

    Example of a skills section for a carpenter:

    • Woodworking and carpentry
    • Reading plans and measuring
    • Using hand and power tools
    • Sanding, staining and finishing wood
    • Repairing and maintaining timber structures
    • Understanding different wood materials
    • Follow safety rules and regulations
    • Teamwork and communication
    STEP 4

    Education and qualifications for a trades CV

    While a formal degree is not always required for many trades, relevant training, certifications, or apprenticeships can enhance your CV and demonstrate your expertise. Some tradespeople may choose to omit this section if they have extensive practical experience, but including it can be beneficial if you’ve completed formal training.

    To create your education section, list any professional courses, certifications, or apprenticeships related to your trade. Examples include NVQs, City & Guilds qualifications, OSHA safety certifications, or specialised trade courses. Even short courses in areas such as health and safety, first aid, or specific tool training can add value and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

    Example of education and certifications on a trades CV:

    NVQ Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery
    Leeds College of Building, 2024

    STEP 5

    Additional sections for a trades CV

    The additional information section can help strengthen your CV by highlighting relevant qualifications, skills and achievements beyond your work and education history.

    Certifications and licences such as a CSCS card, PASMA certificate (for working at height), or First Aid at Work certificate can make you a more attractive candidate. If you have experience with specialist equipment or machinery such as forklifts, scaffolding or power tools, include this information.

    Languages can also be useful, especially for roles involving international projects or diverse clients. Listing any additional languages you speak could give you an edge.

    It only takes

    :

    MINUTES for an average MyPerfectCV user to create a CV

    Create your trades CV in 3 simple steps:

    1. Fill in a quick and easy form
    2. Tailor the CV to your needs
    3. Download and apply
    Create my CV
    simple cv steps

    *The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.