Jobs in Trunking – How to Start, Grow, and Succeed

If you’ve ever walked past a tidy row of white boxes on a wall or ceiling, you’ve seen trunking. Those boxes protect cables, data lines, and power feeds. The demand for clean, safe installations means there are plenty of jobs in trunking across construction sites, data‑centres, and commercial buildings.

In this guide we’ll break down the most common roles, the skills you’ll need, typical pay, and where to look for openings. By the end you’ll have a clear roadmap to start a career that keeps the world wired.

What Types of Trunking Jobs Are Out There?

The trunking field isn’t just one job. Here are the main positions you’ll find:

• Trunking Installer – Fits and fixes conduit, mounts trays, and runs cables. Most roles need a basic understanding of safety rules and the ability to read simple drawings.
• Trunking Technician – Handles more complex tasks like customizing trays, fitting fire‑rated boxes, and troubleshooting faulty installs.
• Electrical/Mechanical Apprentice – Many companies take on apprentices who learn trunking as part of a broader trade qualification.
• Project Coordinator – Plans the layout, orders materials, and makes sure the install stays on schedule. This role blends office work with on‑site knowledge.
• Health & Safety Officer – Ensures every trunking job meets regulations, from proper grounding to fire‑safety standards.

Most of these roles sit under the umbrella of “cable installation,” but the specific focus on trunking gives you a niche advantage in the job market.

How to Get the Skills Employers Want

Breaking into jobs in trunking is easier than you think. Start with a basic Level 2 or Level 3 Construction Skills Certificate – many training centres include a trunking module. If you already have an apprenticeship, ask your trainer to add trunking to your on‑the‑job learning.

Key skills to master:

• Reading and interpreting simple technical drawings.
• Using hand tools like drills, screwdrivers, and cable cutters safely.
• Understanding basic electrical safety and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Measuring and cutting conduit accurately.
• Basic knowledge of fire‑rating requirements for different building types.

Most employers also value soft skills – showing up on time, communicating clearly with site managers, and being able to work in a team. A short, free online safety course can boost your resume and prove you take the rules seriously.

After you’ve got the basics, look for a short‑term placement or a “shadow day” with a local contractor. Real‑world experience beats theory any day, and you’ll pick up tricks you won’t find in a textbook.

When you’re ready, update your CV to highlight any trunking‑specific tasks you’ve done. Use bullet points like “Installed PVC trunking on a 5‑storey office block – 150 m total – following BS 7671 standards.” Employers love clear, measurable achievements.

Salary expectations vary by region, but a entry‑level trunking installer in the UK typically earns £18‑£22 k per year. With a few years’ experience, you can push £25‑£30 k, especially if you add certification like CPD (Construction Plant Design) or a H&S qualification.

Ready to dive in? Check job boards such as Indeed, Totaljobs, or specialised construction sites like ConstructionJobs. Filter by “trunking” or “cable installation” and set up email alerts – new roles appear weekly.

Finally, keep learning. New products like modular ‘snap‑in’ trays or fire‑rated plastics keep the field fresh. A quick monthly read of trade magazines or a short webinar can keep your skills razor‑sharp and your employability high.

Whether you’re starting out as an apprentice or looking to shift into a more technical role, the world of jobs in trunking offers steady work, clear progression, and a chance to keep our modern infrastructure running smoothly. Grab a tool, hit the training, and you’ll be on the fast track to a rewarding career.