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:
| Sure Insurance's Enhanced Strata Coverage: A Boon for Queensland 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In a significant move to tackle affordability issues and improve access to insurance, Sure Insurance has increased its residential strata insurance cover to $20 million in replacement value for apartment complexes. This expansion aims to include higher-valued apartment complexes and boost competition in Northern and Regional Queensland. - read more |
| Insights from CHU's 2025 Strata Market Report 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has released its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current trends and challenges within the strata industry. The report offers valuable insights into premium trends, climate-related risks, regulatory developments, and emerging sector challenges. - read more |
| Addressing Rising Insurance Costs: ICA's Call for Strata Law Reforms in Victoria 24 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that inadequate governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for residents. With approximately one in five Victorians living in strata-titled properties, the impact of these issues is widespread and pressing. - read more |
| CHU's 2025 Report Highlights Stability in Strata Insurance Premiums 23 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori In its recently released 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. The report indicates that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising from an average of $954 to $981 per lot annually in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more |
| Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums In today's rapidly changing health insurance landscape in Australia, keeping track of costs and coverage can be daunting. Many Australians find themselves grappling with high premiums that seem to increase year after year. - read more
|
| Life Insurance Audit: Regular Check-Ups for Your Policy's Health Life insurance serves as a crucial safety net, guarding your loved ones against the unforeseen. Just as you would take care of your health through regular check-ups, it is equally important to ensure that your life insurance policy remains in sound condition to provide the necessary protection. - read more
|
| Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
|
| Income Protection Needs Assessment: Are You Prepared for the Unexpected? When life throws unexpected challenges your way, being financially secure becomes a priority. Income protection is a safety net designed to help you manage your finances when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It provides peace of mind, ensuring that you can maintain your lifestyle and meet your financial obligations, even when your regular income stream is disrupted. - read more
|
The time period that must pass after filing a claim before the insurance coverage becomes effective or benefits are paid.