Off The Job: A Tradesman Podcast
What People Get WRONG About Working in the Trades | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 91
Sep 03, 2026
Season 11
Episode 7
Trade Apps Ltd
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What do people outside the trades actually think the job is like, and how close is that to reality?
In this episode of Off The Job: Overtime, Pete and Keiran get into some of the biggest misconceptions around working in the trades, from how much tradespeople really earn to the physical toll of doing the job year after year.
They also discuss the latest progress around tool theft, whether advertising “no call-out fee” can be misleading, why the UK still has an electrician and apprenticeship shortage, and how rising material prices are affecting quotes and trade businesses.
Plus, Pete shares one of those plumbing jobs that reminds you exactly why some jobs are better left to the drainage engineer… 💩
In this episode:
• The biggest misconceptions about working in the trades
• What customers don’t see behind a tradesperson’s price
• The physical reality of staying on the tools
• Progress being made against tool theft
• Are “no call-out fee” adverts misleading?
• Why so many people want apprenticeships but shortages remain
• Financial support for businesses taking on apprentices
• Rising copper and material costs
• Should your quotes increase when materials do?
• Boiler prices, warranties and servicing
• Would Pete and Keiran encourage their own kids into the trades?
👇 Get involved in the comments and let us know your take on this week’s debates.
Got a story, rant or topic you want Pete and Keiran to discuss on Overtime? Send it over and it could feature in a future episode.
📣 Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/
💥 Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/
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⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead.
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