For apprentices & college students
Build your trade reputation from day one.
A profile that shows your jobs, qualifications and site experience from your very first day in the trade. Share it with employers, contractors and customers and prove you're ready for the work.
How it works
Live in 10 minutes.
No experience needed.
Upload your work and qualifications
Add the trade you're learning, college projects, weekend jobs, NVQs, CSCS card and any sites you've worked on.
Share your link
Send your profile on WhatsApp, in a message to a contractor or attach it to a CV when you apply for work.
Get hired faster
Employers and contractors can see your skills, qualifications and attitude upfront, so they're ready to give you a chance.
Why you need it
You're new to the trade.
Don't let that hold you back.
A CV and a Facebook page don't show what you can actually do. Handshakes brings your jobs, qualifications and recommendations together so employers and contractors can see the tradesperson you're becoming.
Stand out from other apprentices
A documented profile of real work beats an empty Instagram or a one-page CV every time you apply for a job.
Look professional from day one
Send one link instead of trying to explain what you've done. Let your projects, qualifications and recommendations do the talking.
Build your reputation early
Every job, every recommendation from a tutor, supervisor or contractor stays on your profile and follows you for the rest of your career.
No website, no cost
Free to set up, easy to update from your phone between college and site. Indexed by Google so people can find you.
What goes on your profile
Everything an employer or contractor wants to see.
Show your work from your first job
You don't need years on the tools to look professional. Upload photos from college projects, weekend work and your first paid jobs. A clean, documented profile beats an empty Facebook page every time.
Document your qualifications and site experience
List your NVQs, college modules, CSCS card, first aid tickets and any sites you've worked on. Employers and contractors want proof of what you've done, not just what you say you can do.
Collect recommendations from tutors and bosses
A short recommendation from a tutor, supervisor or contractor goes a long way when you're new. Handshakes makes it easy to ask for and collect them in one place.
Stand out when you apply for work
Most apprentices send a CV. You can send a CV and a profile that shows real projects, real qualifications and real recommendations. That's the difference between getting a reply and getting hired.
What employers say
The kind of message that lands you the job.
Mark T. · Main Contractor
"Your work looks really good. Good to see you're getting into the trade. We have some labouring jobs we need a hand on. What days can you work?"
12:34 ✓✓
Sarah J. · Building Firm
"Just been sent your Handshakes profile from another business. He highly recommended you, was wondering if you're available?"
15:36 ✓✓
Ready to get started?
Start your trade career with a proper portfolio.
Free to set up. Live in 10 minutes. Yours for the rest of your career.
FAQs
Got questions?
We use essential cookies to keep things running and optional cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about our cookie policy