Trades and labour professionals play a critical role in constructing, maintaining, and enhancing the spaces we live and work in. Their expertise not only contributes to the physical structure but also ensures safety and compliance with industry standards. From bricklayers and carpenters shaping important structures, to electricians and plumbers ensuring functionality, the contributions of these skilled workers are essential to every industry. 

Whether you're starting your journey in trades or aiming to take your career to the next level, a well-crafted CV that showcases your expertise can open doors to exciting opportunities. CVs haven’t always been required for trades & labour roles, but as the market becomes more competitive, this could be a great way to stand out from the competition. 

At Randstad, we understand the unique demands of trades and labour roles. We’ve been helping professionals like you secure jobs with leading employers for 65 years, offering insights that make your CV stand out in this competitive market.

Below, we’ve outlined tips to help you craft a CV tailored for roles such as:

No matter your trade, a strong CV can highlight your skills, certifications, and experience, setting you apart from the competition and helping you land the role you deserve. 

Read on for actionable advice to help you succeed!

Essential Components of a Trades & Labour CV

A strong CV for trades and labour roles should focus on the following key elements:

  1. Personal Statement or Profile
  2. Employment History
  3. Certifications and Qualifications
  4. Relevant Skills

Formatting Tips:

  • Aim for a two-page CV. Research shows that candidates with two-page CVs are significantly more likely to get a response compared to those with a single page.
  • Use a clear, professional font like Arial or Calibri.
  • Organise your CV with bold headers and logical spacing to ensure it’s easy to read and digest.

By including these elements and presenting them clearly, you’ll create a professional CV that effectively showcases your expertise and makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Personal Statement or Profile

Your personal statement/profile is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it’s essential to tailor it to the specific company and job you’re applying for. Take the time to research the company’s values, mission, and objectives, and craft your statement to align with their expectations.

Write your personal statement in the third person to maintain a professional tone. Avoid overused phrases like, "I am an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual." Instead, focus on clear, impactful statements that highlight your expertise. Use this section to briefly describe your experience, career objectives, and what makes you a valuable candidate. For example:

"A dedicated and highly-skilled electrician with extensive experience in residential and commercial installations. Proven ability to deliver projects on time while maintaining high safety standards. Excels in diagnosing faults, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and collaborating effectively with teams to achieve operational goals."

Follow this by mentioning specific responsibilities or achievements that relate directly to the job you’re pursuing. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart and demonstrate your value to potential employers right from the start.

Employment History

Tailor your employment history to the job and company you’re applying for, focusing on roles and experiences most relevant to the position. Highlight key responsibilities, achievements, and skills that demonstrate your suitability for the job. List your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

For example, if you’re applying for a maintenance electrician role, emphasise your experience with Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance. Detail your duties in previous roles, such as diagnosing faults, ensuring compliance with safety standards, or collaborating with teams to complete projects efficiently.

For example, if you’re applying for a bricklaying role, emphasise your experience with facework, formwork and cutting and shaping bricks to fit. Detail your duties in previous roles such as assisting more junior members of staff, or more specialist work like bricking up manholes. 

When describing each role, include:

  • Job Title
  • Company Name
  • Dates of Employment
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements

Use bullet points for clarity and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Additionally, use relevant keywords from the job description to show your understanding of the role. For instance:

Example 1: Telehandler
XYZ Services | January 2018 – Present

  • Load, unload, and distribute materials across the project site
  • Ensure the safe handling of equipment and materials at all times

Example 2: Groundworker
ABC Construction, January 2020 – Present

  • Completed a range of works including: trenches, duct laying, backfill and reinstatement work.
  • Be aware of health & safety at all times

By tailoring your employment history to the role, you can demonstrate your expertise and show employers how your experience will add value to their team.

Professional Qualifications and Relevant Skills

For skilled trades roles, specific qualifications and certifications are often essential. Research the job requirements and the company to ensure your CV reflects the credentials and skills they’re looking for. For example, employers may require a valid CSCS card, NVQs in your trade, or certifications like the 18th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations for electricians.

If appropriate, divide this section into two parts:

Professional Qualifications

List certifications, licenses, and training relevant to your trade, including:

  • CSCS Card (include the expiry date)
  • NVQs or SVQs in your field
  • Machinery operation licenses (e.g., telehandler, forklift)
  • Apprenticeship completions
  • Safety tickets such as IPAF, PASMA, or asbestos awareness
  • First aid training

Provide the full title of the certification, the awarding body, and the date you obtained it.

Relevant Skills

When it comes to skills, you need to highlight both your hard skills (the technical expertise you bring to the table) and your soft skills (the interpersonal skills that make you a valuable team member). Emphasise both technical and soft skills that match the role. Examples include:

  • Leadership and team management abilities
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Strong communication and teamwork capabilities
  • Adaptability and ability to work under pressure
  • Technical expertise in tools, machinery, or processes
  • Hard skills, e.g. Bricklaying techniques, Plumbing system installations, Electrical wiring and safety standards

For instance:

Professional Qualifications

  • NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating
  • Valid CSCS Card (expires June 2026)
  • IPAF License for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

Relevant Skills

  • Good communication skills with colleagues and clients
  • Strong problem solving skills, able to work independently
  • Great time keeping, able to finish projects on time without sacrificing quality of work 

A clear and well-organised section on qualifications and skills ensures employers quickly see you have the expertise and adaptability to excel in their role.

Additional tips for tailoring your Skilled Trades CV

  • Research Thoroughly: Take time to understand the company’s mission, values, and goals. Align your CV to reflect what the employer is looking for in a candidate.
  • Be Specific: Customise each section of your CV to the role you’re applying for. Highlight your most relevant skills, certifications, and experiences that match the job description. For example: If you're applying for a construction manager role, emphasise your project management experience and your ability to oversee teams. If you're applying for a labourer position, focus on your physical strength, stamina, and your ability to work under supervision.
  • Showcase your Strengths: Emphasise qualifications and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role. Focus on achievements that set you apart from other candidates.
  • Maintain a Professional Tone: Write your CV in the third person for a polished and professional presentation. Avoid overly casual language or clichéd phrases.
  • Demonstrate your Knowledge: Reflect your understanding of the role and the company in your personal statement. Show how your expertise aligns with their needs and objectives.

By following these tips, you can craft a compelling CV that highlights your qualifications and positions you as a top candidate in the skilled trades market. Tailoring your CV carefully for each role will help you stand out and secure the job you’re aiming for.

For more information and advice on writing a CV, check out our full guide here.

tags:

more how to write a cv articles.