Apprenticeship numbers sit below where they were in 2015, even as the workforce has grown by more than 20 percent and Australia faces a housing shortage and a deepening trades skills gap. Ben Bardon, CEO of the National Australian Apprenticeship Association, explains why employers are stepping back, from shrinking government incentives to the real cost of taking on an apprentice in a tight economy. He covers why most apprentices who drop out do so in the first three months, how school-based apprenticeships and work trials lead to stronger completion rates, and how Apprentice Connect providers can step in to mediate when things go wrong. Ben also shares practical habits that keep apprentices engaged, including regular check-ins and a named point of contact, and looks at how AI is already changing the way tradies quote, schedule and run their businesses.

Apprenticeship numbers sit below where they were in 2015, even as the workforce has grown by more than 20 percent and Australia faces a housing shortage and a deepening trades skills gap. Ben Bardon, CEO of the <a href="https://www.naaa.com.au/">National Australian Apprenticeship Association</a>, explains why employers are stepping back, from shrinking government incentives to the real cost of taking on an apprentice in a tight economy. He covers why most apprentices who drop out do so in the first three months, how school-based apprenticeships and work trials lead to stronger completion rates, and how Apprentice Connect providers can step in to mediate when things go wrong. Ben also shares practical habits that keep apprentices engaged, including regular check-ins and a named point of contact, and looks at how AI is already changing the way tradies quote, schedule and run their businesses.

Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your host, Nicole 'Nic' Cox, was born into a tradie family and has first-hand experience of the gut-busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic strongly believes in the opportunity that exists for all tradie business owners to create a flexible, financially secure business for now and for their families' future. She interviews guests on a range of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, legal issues, mindset, motivation, physical and mental health, industry updates and more! Nic loves a laugh and a good story, so tune in for a unique look at how to 'get off the tools' and break the cycle of financial hardship and stress to create the trade business you really wanted!

Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your host, Nicole 'Nic' Cox, was born into a tradie family and has first-hand experience of the gut-busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic strongly believes in the opportunity that exists for all tradie business owners to create a flexible, financially secure business for now and for their families' future. She interviews guests on a range of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, legal issues, mindset, motivation, physical and mental health, industry updates and more! Nic loves a laugh and a good story, so tune in for a unique look at how to 'get off the tools' and break the cycle of financial hardship and stress to create the trade business you really wanted!

Helping tradie business owners get off the tools and improve health, relationships and lifestyle

Tradies In Business

Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your hosts, Warrick 'Waz' Bidwell and Nicole 'Nic' Cox, were both born into tradie families and have first hand experience of the gut busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic and Waz strongly believe in the opportunity that exists for all tradie business owners to create a flexible, financially secure business for now and for their families' future. Waz and Nic interview guests on a range of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, legal issues, mindset, motivation, physical and mental health, industry updates and more! They love a laugh and a good story so tune in for a unique look at how to 'get off the tools' and break the cycle of financial hardship and stress to create the trade business you really wanted!