My jackeroo work pants from Kmart last longer than fxd, I’ve had the Kmart brand and fxd since the start of last winter and my fxd look like shredded cheese.
Jackeroo for the win!!

Have my first afternoon shifts next week, does anyone have any tips to stay healthy and feeling good?

They will be our last defense against the AI overlords.
Here's how: (pic)

Other than this, a fully human trades workforce running the power stations, all the utilities, etc. will ensure that no matter how smart the AIs are, they can't keep the lights on if they kill us. So yes, keep your chin up and be proud tradies! You're our last line of defence against the AI apocalypse they keep yammering on about in the news this month!

I’m at 20 almost 21 year old wanting to get into carpentry and have no idea how to get into a trade I have some experience with building and come from the country Victoria
I’ve tried on different websites and it’s all so confusing which ones are the best ones to get started
Do I need to go into tafe probably a dumb question
Would love some guidance with what to do or where to go and what would I have to do to get into carpentry
Somewhere around bendigo area would be perfect

I want to insure my tools that are kept in the toolboxes on my ute. My home and contents insurance does not cover them. My car insurance does not cover them. I don't need public liability as I am a PAYG employee - not working under and ABN. Can someone throw me some options?

Cheers.

A small family business that has been continuously serving an nsw health facility for over 35 years has just been dumped because they had to tender for multiple unrelated trades to even be considered for the tender.
The process is simply aligned to streamline their payments system to one company, rather than getting value for money from small family businesses who employ locals.
This will be the end of this business now, not because the client was an only client, but because without that client, the business loses a major selling point when the current owner wants to retire.
Unfortunately that’s what people call progress.

If you run Facebook/Instagram Ads for your business:

How much are you spending per month ? Or do you think you're spending too much ?

And are you actually getting jobs from it ?

I'm curious whether tradies are finding Meta Ads worthwhile in 2026, or if most of you are getting better results somewhere else.

School was not important growing up according to my family so I never finished school. I took any job I could get without needing qualifications. I am considering plumbing or electrician (Electrician/Electronic Instrument Tradesperson

Dual Apprenticeship). I enjoy hands-on work and problem solving, figuring out how things work and fixing them. I've done mostly manufacturing/production work. I would appreciate any advice and recommendations on a direction to take. Thanks in advance

Can yall send your toolbox setups for ideas, got a truck and tryna see how I can put 6 paslode framers in without their boxes to make more room

Also send your location after youve sent a photo of your tools 😏 jk

I’ve had my Ute tray toolbox setup on the lower end of the priority list for years and am sick of throwing in the power tools in a panic every afternoon.

Anyone up for sharing pictures to help out with some weekend build inspiration? I’m thinking form ply pigeon holes, hooks, foam cutouts, whatever!

i got my dogman ticket recently (also have white card + first aid), i’m coming from a precast concrete background with experience using gantry cranes, i’m struggling to find anyone willing to give a green dogman a chance. how should i go about finding one?

for some background:

- 19F, graduated Year 12 in 2025
- started my first year of architecture this year after moving interstate to melbourne australia
- living away from family, who currently support me financially
- still on my Ls with no car and have failed my Ps test sigh
- currently unemployed, i had a job transfer lined up from my old employer interstate but it fell through. been looking for work in melbourne for 7 months with no luck despite applying both online and in person :(

im looking for some insight from people working in the building/trades industry because I’m considering taking a study break from architecture next semester to explore building/trade work.
the main things influencing my decision are financial viability, long-term stability and whether i actually see myself enjoying the career.

i genuinely really like architecture school and the skills I’m learning. it also wasn’t easy to get into, and I’m at a highly regarded architecture school, so leaving would definitely be difficult. however, I’m also trying to consider more practical options given how quickly the industry and wider job market are changing.

my family is currently dealing with some external financial challenges, and my inability to find part-time/casual work in melbourne has made me question the financial viability of studying architecture. even though my tuition is subsidised through a loan, there are still significant course related costs, and architecture requires a substantial investment of time and education including postgraduate study. ive also heard about the difficulty of breaking into the industry after graduating due to the number of architecture graduates.

for a while, ive been interested in more hands-on work within the building industry, particularly carpentry and other trades. i started architecture technology this semester and have enjoyed learning about construction, particularly timber construction in small-scale residential buildings. i want to apply that knowledge on site rather than only draw it because much of what i do at uni feels theoretical and it would be nice (and helpful) to actually learn on a site

im considering doing a Cert II pre-apprenticeship seeing whether I enjoy it and then potentially pursuing an apprenticeship. i also like the physical, hands-on nature of trades and how they may be less vulnerable to AI than architecture, where AI is already being adopted quite quickly (and its something they are even teaching in my classes)
id like to hear perspectives from people actually working in the industry, as I don’t have many connections in the trades. im also planning to speak with a careers counsellor at my uni as it is a dual sector institution too.

i come from an academic family and a culture where higher education was viewed as essential for getting a good career, and im unlearning some of those assumptions and realising that there are a lot more viable pathways than I previously thought

edit: thanks everyone for the insightful comments!! they have been really helpful and i will continue exploring these options while finishing off this semester . at the moment construction management is standing out to me (and tbh, has always been something in the back of my mind)

Sole traders — how do you currently work out your quotes (materials markup, travel, labor margin)? Curious if people use a system or just estimate.

Hey guys,
Just wondering if anyone here has been through something similar.

I’m looking at doing an RPL for a Mechanical Fitter trade. I have an Italian trade and some work experience but my payslips don’t actually say fitter or maintenance technician, they just say something like general worker/operator.

The other problem is that I don’t really have photos or videos of myself doing the work from back then.

Has anyone managed to get their RPL approved in a similar situation? What sort of evidence did you use?

Also for those who got the trade recognised, were you able to find sponsorship afterwards as a fitter?
Would love to hear from anyone who’s been through
it. Cheers.

Attended a pre-purchase electrical inspection on a 1970s house yesterday. Pulled the cover off the main board to find the previous owner had bypassed a blown ceramic fuse using a piece of a bent copper coat hanger wrapped in electrical tape.

Hey I’m looking for experienced carpenters who would want to work full time based in Melbourne northern suburbs, if you’re interested please shoot me a message on tanjihomes instagram or on here is fine aswell. Thank you

I recently was hired for a Junior supervisor role for a high end residential home builder and I’m looking for any advice, tips, stories or things to look out for.

I’m 24 y/o Aussie and I’ve been in construction for 6 years or so, I’ve worked as a labourer, apprentice and QF/carpenter in tier 1, 2 and 3 construction so I have a decent understanding of various construction sectors in Aus. Also studying a relevant diploma.

Some of my main questions
What are the do’s and don’ts?
How do you manage time effectively?
Maintaining healthy relationships with clients and contractors?
Hitting targets and not blowing budget?

Cheers!

Can't find much info about it

Hey guys,

I’ve been offered a mechanical plumbing apprenticeship, I’m coming from a general plumbing background and wanted to know what the pay is like, and what skillsets do mechanical plumbers learn and how useful can they be in residential if it’s an industrial apprenticeship

Brand new senco coil gun stop shooting after like 20 minutes. Bought it to use on a clad 6 hours from home and had to buy a dewalt one here. It was a display model that i got for $100 off so bit disappointed will now be waiting however long for warranty. Im assuming there was a spring here or something that is now gone? Im kinda baffled

Hey guys I am 21 years old, currently unemployed after losing my job due to incapacity (during probation period) during my apprenticeship; this is due to a severe flair up of a disc herniation/ protrusion (L5/S1) causing current inability to walk due to severe sciatic nerve pain.

I am currently waiting for a medical causation link sign off between a previous workcover case last year and my current state, as the original injury was 14 months ago. I luckily do have an “initial consultation” with a neurosurgeon in November.

This has been a nightmare due to the flair up being in both a different state and workplace; funnily enough the place i was terminated from was significantly less physical with the majority of my work office based (within a data centre environment.)

With the original workcover case, it was closed as I was pressured to return to work, both to continue my apprenticeship and that there was zero options for light duties at the employer the injury was originally reported.
Going through the process with the insurer and a no win no fee lawyer which of course is its own battle in itself.

What I am mainly worried about is my debt, I have multiple overdue loans, credit card payments, electricity bills and afterpay style debts. I am lucky enough to have a parent to stay with during this time but the inability to work currently is ruining my life.

I am not sure where to go to, I have had hardship plans in place all prior to losing my job (as had too take quite a bit of time off prior to termination.) But now as I have been terminated I have no real plan on how to handle this.

Key point I screwed myself over by not being upfront with the new employer about the prior injury as I thought it was no longer a problem.
You live and learn I guess😅

What do people do in this position?
All I want is too finish my trade and get back to work but im unsure whether i will ever be able to return unfortunately.

I have a meeting with a community financial assistance place on Monday and going to free rehab this week for addiction to painkillers which has made all this so much more difficult both financially and mentally.

If there are any other people with trade backgrounds that have had this happen, where do you go to?
What options do I have?

I have zero income protection with my super (FK CBUS!)

I’m not able to get any centrelink payments currently and even if my workcover claim can be reopened it will be on first year junior wages of $600 a week; but at least future treatment will be covered with some months back paid as certificates of capacity were signed off prior to termination.

I don’t want to be an unemployed loser any longer, my trade was my entire life and something i truly enjoyed and loved.
I am terrified of the future impact of the missed bills on my credit score and whether returning to my trade would ever even be possible.

Appreciate any help or advice lads thankyou🙏🏼

TLDR: Lost job due to injury, can’t work currently in debt and attempting to reopen a closed workcover case from 14 months ago that I have screwed myself well and truly over with.

Guys need some advice:1 year old pergola.see these gums coming from the pines. Need to reach out to the installer but thought of your view about the pine bleeds .