We all know this world would be a dark place without tradies — literally. They keep our lights on, our houses standing and our water flowing. Yet in return, the folks in fluoro seem to cop a lot of judgement from the rest of us.
Why is the world like this?!
Our mates at Blundstone know what’s up though and have launched RotoFlex, a range of lightweight safety boots for men and women. Designed with all-new tech built to cushion, ventilate and control moisture, they’re made for next-gen tradies.
To celebrate, we’re giving five tradies the floor. Fellas from a range of trades are setting the record straight on some of the biggest misconceptions people have about them.
Let’s dig in.
Tradies aren’t smart
“We often feel when we enter office spaces that those in a suit give us a certain look – or simply perceive us as uneducated scum. From our point of view, this is so wrong because without us ‘dumb’ tradies, those in suits would not be able to sit in their air-conditioned or fire-protected office space.” – Phillip, Sprinkler Fitter
“Perhaps in the past, people had misconceptions about tradies, thinking they aren’t smart because they drop out of school, aren’t educated and have no skills. Which is completely incorrect. Being a tradie teaches you many great lessons which you can adopt in your everyday life, such as work ethic, structure, communication and problem-solving to name just a few.” – Will, Plumber
“People often assume that you are from a low socioeconomic background and weren’t able to reach a higher education after high school. To become a top-level carpenter, you need to be switched on, have a great understanding of maths, quick problem-solving skills, and decisive delegation for tasks and the team you’re presented with.” – Elijah, Carpenter
“Being an electrician is not as physically demanding as some other trades but requires a higher level of thinking. Therefore being a tradie, especially an electrician, can often be mentally draining, rather than physical as you are constantly problem-solving throughout the day at work then, again, not switching off at night.” – James, Electrician.
Tradies are ripping you off
“People assume we’re there to rip you off and steal from you. With the prices of materials on the rise and the labour that goes into constructing something, people often don’t understand the cost of getting a job done. This leads to people thinking you’re trying to rip them off, when in reality, you’re just trying to make a fair rate for yourself while giving the best product to your client. Transparency is your best friend here.” – Elijah
Trades are a second choice
“Being a tradie actually has great quality of life as it brings variety, allows you to work outside in the sun, you are part of a team, brings life skills such as problem-solving and you’re not stuck behind a desk. It is more practical, active and hands on.
At school, there is a focus on getting a good ATAR to get into uni, only to come out earning $50,000 a year and having $100,000 HECS debt. On the other hand, tradies get paid while they study a four-year apprenticeship, with a $100,000 wage and zero HECS to pay. During school, kids aren’t made aware of the choice to become a tradie, or the major financial, physical and mental benefits. Instead, it is portrayed as the ‘dumb’ or second option.” – Tom, Leading Hand Carpenter.
“Every day on site we face different challenges and require problem-solving skills to ensure the job gets done. I’m proud to be a tradie, and would much rather wake up and throw a fluoro on rather than having to iron my shirt and put a tie on every morning,” – Phillip
Tradies love ‘smoko’
“I also think that tradies are portrayed as ‘grubs’ with the stereotype that everyone smokes during ‘smoko’. This is now inaccurate as most of our generation is actually quite health-conscious, exercising and eating well.
Tradies don’t work hard
“As a Plumber, people automatically assume that all we deal with is poo and blocked toilets when actually there are many different aspects I deal with week to week. Such as roof leaks from all the storms, water leaks from one unit to another, pipe relining due to cracked sewer pipes from tree roots and your general plumbing works and bathroom renovations.” – Will
“As a small business owner, there is no such thing as nine to five. I think most people assume we start early, finish early, and [head] straight to the pub. We also do night shifts and most weekends! Looking back on the pandemic, most trades (if not all), continued to work. This in itself demonstrates not only that we are essential, but how trades of this kind keep the economy functioning.” – Phillip
“A big misconception is that our job is easy. With reno shows like The Block and House Rules, a lot of people find themselves thinking that they can achieve what’s on TV. In reality, it takes years of formal training and on-site experience to become a great carpenter. You need the knowledge, skills and physicality to get the job done five days a week.” – Elijah
Tradies & the ladies
“I think the general biggest misconception about tradies is that females can’t do trades or aren’t good at trades. There are many females in my company and it is becoming more and more common to see females on the worksite.” – Tom
“And let’s not forget, tradies get the ladies!” – Phillip
So, there you have it. If you’ve ever made a snarky judgement about a tradie, time to pipe down.
RotoFlex by Blundstone offers stability with the freedom to move. The range is available now, so you can suss out participating stores, here.
