Average pay: £34,751 a year (Reed)

Plumbers are in high demand. According to Able Skills, the demand outstrips the supply in the UK and worldwide.

It’s still by no means glamorous, but it’s certainly more highly sought after right now.

Now this is a business you will need qualifications for – at the very least, to show that you’re up to the job. An NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating is a minimum requirement. If you have no experience, work for someone else so that you can learn on the job. Then break free and go it alone.

In the longer term, you could also up your revenue by diversifying. This could be fitting out bathrooms and kitchens on top of your normal services. Remember to keep on top of legal requirements and qualifications relative to the new services you want to offer.