It’s easy to be
an accountant.a data analyst.an electrician.an estate agent.a financial adviser.anything.anything.

Becoming an accountant in the UK requires no single licence, but most train through a recognised body (AAT, then ACCA, ICAEW/ACA or CIMA) via a degree, an apprenticeship, or a school-leaver scheme. Expect three to six years of combined study and supervised work experience to qualify fully.

Median

£45,538

Time

3–6 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming a Data Analyst in the UK needs strong numeracy and data skills rather than a licence. Most people enter via a university degree, a Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship, or a T Level in Digital Data Analytics, then learn SQL, Excel and a tool like Power BI. No professional registration is required.

Median

£38,107

Time

2–4 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming an electrician in the UK usually means a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship lasting around four years, combining paid on-the-job work with a college NVQ diploma and the AM2 practical assessment. You then hold the 18th Edition qualification and can register with a competent person scheme to self-certify Part P work.

Median

£39,039

Time

2–4 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming an estate agent in the UK needs no licence or degree: most people start as a trainee sales negotiator with GCSEs, learning on the job. A Level 2 Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship, college courses or Propertymark qualifications help. Your agency must join an approved redress scheme. Pay is largely commission-driven.

Median

£30,000

Time

0.5–2 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

To become a financial adviser in the UK you need an FCA-approved Level 4 qualification, such as the DipFA or Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, plus an annual Statement of Professional Standing. Most people qualify through an apprenticeship, a degree, or by studying while working in a junior finance role.

Median

£40,000

Time

2–5 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming a founder in the UK requires no degree, licence or qualification — only a viable idea, registration as a sole trader (free with HMRC) or a limited company (£100 online via Companies House), and personal financial runway. Most founders take two to five years to reach sustainable revenue; funded founders commonly pay themselves £40,000–£100,000.

Median

£58,808

Time

1–10 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming a plumber in the UK usually means completing a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship (Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician), which takes around four years and pays you while you train. No degree or licence is needed for general plumbing, but any gas work legally requires Gas Safe registration.

Median

£35,000

Time

2–5 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming a Registered Nurse in the UK means completing an NMC-approved nursing degree (BSc, usually three years) or a Level 6 Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, then registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You choose a field: adult, mental health, children's or learning disability nursing. Most newly qualified nurses start on NHS Band 5.

Median

£37,000

Time

2–4 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

Becoming a software engineer in the UK usually means a computer science or related degree, a degree apprenticeship, or a self-taught/bootcamp route, then proving you can code. No licence is legally required. Starting salaries sit around £30,000, rising to £75,000-plus with experience.

Median

£48,000

Time

2–4 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026

To teach in England you need a bachelor's degree, GCSEs at grade 4 in English and maths, and qualified teacher status (QTS), usually gained via a PGCE, School Direct, or a Level 6 teaching apprenticeship. Training takes roughly one to four years, followed by a statutory two-year induction.

Median

£42,000

Time

1–4 yrs

Verified June 15, 2026