From new homes and renovations to major developments and community infrastructure, local tradies continue to play an important role in building Kingborough’s growing communities.
Last Friday, September 18, National Tradies Day recognised the builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other skilled tradespeople whose work can be seen across Kingston, Blackmans Bay, Margate, Snug, the Channel and Bruny Island.
Kingborough is one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing municipalities, with a population of about 40,800 and continued residential development creating an ongoing need for skilled tradespeople.
Housing Industry Association (HIA) Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said tradies made an extraordinary contribution to Australian life, often without seeking recognition.
“From the homes we live in to the schools, community facilities and neighbourhoods that support our daily lives, tradies help shape Australia every day,” Ms Martin said.
“They build our homes, renovate and maintain existing housing, restore communities following natural disasters and help create the places where Australians live, work and raise their families.”
Local carpenter Thomas Kearney-Elkan said the national skills shortage was being felt at a time when skilled workers were increasingly important, particularly in growing areas such as Kingborough.
“As we know, there is a national skills shortage and unfortunately there is quite a lag in getting people trained and skilled through our current system,” Mr Kearney-Elkan said.
“When I was a teen, it wasn’t encouraged to get into trades. I think that is somewhat changing now”.
“We need people who can do and make things more than ever, and in Kingborough especially with growth”.
“There is no doubt there is demand and the work out there. It may now be down to a cultural shift which celebrates trade pathways similarly to university.”
National Tradies Day also highlighted the opportunities available for young people considering a career in the industry.
Ms Martin said trades offered the opportunity to earn while learning, develop practical skills and potentially progress to running a business.
“Tradies don’t just build houses. They build communities, create opportunities and support local economies across the country,” she said.
With Kingborough continuing to grow and new housing and infrastructure required to support that growth, encouraging the next generation into skilled trades will be an important part of meeting the municipality’s future needs.
