Builder Steven Sousamlis, 28, who started his apprenticeship a decade ago, shared his experiences with news.com.au, recalling the harsh treatment he faced. “I endured verbal abuse that was demeaning and relentless,” he said. However, he acknowledged that this kind of treatment is no longer tolerated, especially on larger construction sites.
Sousamlis credits the cultural shift for fostering a healthier work environment. "Everyone now aims to build a positive working culture. Abusing someone not only damages their morale but also decreases productivity,” he noted.
Charlie Trewin, now a manager at Apprenticeships Are Us in Western Australia, has also observed this radical cultural shift. "It used to be common for practical jokes, like filling someone's work boots with expander foam. Nowadays, that kind of behavior just wouldn't fly," Trewin shared.
Trewin noted that Friday afternoon beers, once a staple of tradie culture, have also disappeared. "The focus has shifted towards safety and professionalism, which while making the workplace safer, has perhaps taken some of the fun out of the job," he added.
Dane McKay, a 22-year-old Gen Z tradie, has only ever known the newer, more professional tradie culture, affirming that it's understandably stringent. "We don't really socialize outside of work except for special occasions, and there are no beers during work hours," he said.
Although he finds the environment stricter than before, McKay acknowledges the importance of these changes for safety and efficiency.
Published:Sunday, 4th Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
| Zurich Australia's New Income Protection for Women's Health 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Zurich Australia has unveiled a pioneering income protection benefit tailored specifically for women's health conditions, including menopause and endometriosis. This initiative addresses the significant impact these conditions have on women's professional lives and financial stability. - read more |
| APRA's Renewed Efforts to Reform Income Protection Insurance 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the resumption of its reforms targeting individual disability income insurance (IDII), commonly known as income protection insurance. This initiative aims to address the financial challenges that have plagued the industry, with insurers reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion over the past five years. - read more |
| AFCA's Landmark Decision on Occupation Definitions in Income Protection Claims 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently delivered a pivotal ruling that clarifies the definition of 'occupation' within the context of income protection insurance claims. This decision arose from a dispute involving a policyholder whose income protection benefits were terminated after the insurer discovered he was listed as a director of a company while receiving payments. - read more |
| Club Marine Introduces Land-Based Insurance for Race Boats 09 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider, has announced a new partnership with the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club (AOPC) to offer specialised insurance coverage for race boats while they are on land. This initiative addresses a significant gap in the market, providing protection against accidental loss, damage, theft, or malicious damage to vessels during storage and transit. - read more |
| The Importance of Comparing Health Insurance Extras for Maximum Savings Health insurance is more than just a precautionary measure; it's a vital component in managing both your health and financial well-being. In Australia, where healthcare costs can quickly escalate, health insurance extras serve as a buffer, ensuring that services like dental, optical, and physiotherapy remain within reach. These extras can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses you might otherwise encounter for non-hospital treatments. - read more
|
| Top Strategies for Long-Term Income Protection in Australia Income protection is a safeguard that ensures you have a steady stream of income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance can be a lifesaver, providing peace of mind and financial stability during challenging times. - read more
|
| Deciphering Your Policy: A Beginner's Guide to Insurance Terminology Welcome to the world of insurance – a domain where words like 'deductible' and 'premium' can significantly impact your financial protection and peace of mind. As a beginner, grasping the basics of insurance terminology is the first step towards making informed decisions about the policies that safeguard your assets and future. In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the language of insurance, which can often seem as complex as the policies themselves. - read more
|
| The Importance of Life Insurance for Business Partners In the dynamic world of business, safeguarding your interests often requires more than just market acumen and financial investment. Life insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity and stability of a business, particularly when business partnerships are involved. It serves not only as a cushion for unforeseen events but also as a strategic tool for risk management. - read more
|