Tradies See Unprecedented Shift Towards Professionalism and Safety
Tradies See Unprecedented Shift Towards Professionalism and Safety
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
Share this news item:
| APRA Halts Unjustified Premium Increases in Commercial Auto Insurance 18 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently taken decisive action to address significant concerns within the commercial auto insurance sector. In response to widespread industry protests over substantial premium increases, APRA has introduced emergency regulations aimed at safeguarding transport operators from financial hardship. - read more |
| Deloitte Forecasts Transformative Trends in Australian Insurance for 2026 18 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori As the Australian insurance industry navigates a rapidly evolving landscape, Deloitte's 2026 Insurance Predictions report highlights two pivotal trends poised to reshape the sector: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the adoption of advanced climate risk modeling. - read more |
| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies 17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant development for policyholders, leading Australian life insurer TAL has announced the expansion of its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. Effective from 8 August 2025, this initiative aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more |
| AFCA Directs Insurer to Reinstate Critical Illness Coverage After Miscommunication 17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a policyholder who inadvertently cancelled his critical illness insurance due to unclear communication from his insurer, TAL Life. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparent communication between insurers and their clients, particularly regarding the implications of policy modifications. - read more |
| Affordable Life Insurance: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family's Finances Life insurance is a crucial component in safeguarding your family's financial security. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be protected in the event of unexpected circumstances. Many Australians understand the value of having life insurance, but the task of finding a policy that fits within a family's budget can sometimes feel overwhelming. - read more
|
| Income Insurance: Common Misunderstandings that Could Cost You When life throws unexpected challenges your way, income insurance can be a financial lifesaver. Essentially, it's a policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Imagine not having to worry about bills piling up while you focus on recovery. That's the peace of mind income insurance aims to provide. - read more
|
| Life Insurance: How much is enough? When considering life insurance, you're planning and preparing for an event that most of us would rather not think about. But life insurance represents a critical step in managing your personal finances and ensuring your family's well-being. - read more
|
| The Digital Age of Health Insurance: Comparing Policies Online The dawn of the digital age has significantly transformed the way we approach nearly every aspect of our lives, and the domain of health insurance is no exception. With the arrival of innovative digital tools, the health insurance landscape has undergone a striking evolution, allowing for unprecedented accessibility and convenience in managing healthcare coverage. - read more
|
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.