Latest news with #tradespeople
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Shoddy work and rogue tradies: the home repair practices targeting vulnerable Australians
When Jane was quoted about $20,000 to get the power put back on at her mother's property, she balked. 'He said the whole house needs to be rewired,' Jane said. 'He had the iPad out and said 'I'll need you to sign here'. I know my mum doesn't have that kind of money. I asked why it would cost so much. 'They said something like 'this quote will expire, you need to sign now or we can't get started and you won't have electricity'.' Jane – who didn't want her real name used – didn't cave to the urgency. Instead, she got someone else to do the job for about $3,500. But Jane is furious that had she not been there, her 78-year-old mother would have faced the pressure. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Consumer groups and state government authorities around the country have warned of a variety of concerning practices and tactics by tradespeople, including: Targeting vulnerable, often older people, or those affected by natural disasters. Fearmongering by pretending a problem is urgent and potentially disastrous. Using threatening behaviour to coerce people. Overcharging and upselling unnecessary work. Operating under dozens, even hundreds of names to influence internet search results, hiding from bad reviews and providing multiple quotes that appear to be from different companies. The company Jane asked to quote trades under almost 200 names across all states and territories and offers a range of services including hot water repair and electrical work. The Council on the Ageing Australia says it has had 'troubling reports' about tradies targeting older people. 'Unfortunately, older people are targeted as they're more likely to be home during the day, and these scammers are quick to take advantage of this,' the council's acting chief executive, Corey Irlam, said. 'If someone shows up unannounced, uses high-pressure tactics, or demands upfront payment for a job, that's a red flag.' The New South Wales government has warned about 'unlicensed trades and scams' after floods. Building Commission NSW has received 157 reports of unlicensed or unregistered trade work since the beginning of 2025. This month, Consumer Protection Western Australia said 'dodgy door knockers' were targeting homes to carry out 'shoddy roof repairs'. 'These con men move from town to town using high-pressure tactics to push overpriced roof restoration jobs – often delivering little to no actual work,' the agency said. One elderly couple was approached by two men who said their roof needed repairs. The men began the job without a formal quote and the couple were told to deposit an $18,645 cheque. Another couple was 'coerced' into paying $2,145 'while the man stood over them during the bank transfer', the agency said. The agency also warned about 'rogue elements' in plumbing and electrical trades who 'exaggerate necessity for extra work and costs'. The South Australian consumer and business affairs minister, Andrea Michaels, said the department had fielded numerous complaints where 'customers feel they have been quoted excessive amounts, feel they have been told they need work done that they do not, or feel they have been pressured into agreeing to high-priced work'. Examples provided included $1,000 to fix a leaking tap; $1,000 for a valve that another plumber said should have cost $90; an elderly customer charged $2,500 for an air conditioning part worth less than $100; and more than $2,000 to replace a shower head. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion In another case, according to Michaels, a customer was charged $10,000 to unblock a drain and install replacement concrete, but was then advised by another plumber that the concrete work was not needed and the drain could be unblocked for a few hundred dollars. Earlier this month Queensland's Office of Fair Trading warned some tradies with a 'blatant disregard for the law' were taking large sums of money without providing the promised goods and services. Consumer Affairs Victoria said 'fake tradies' or 'travelling con men' might offer to do work then 'disappear with your money, leaving unfinished or substandard work, if they start work at all'. The Master Plumbers Association (SA) chief executive officer, Andrew Clarke, said people looking for a tradie should ask family or friends for recommendations. Searching on an industry association website instead of trusting search engines was also a good idea, he said. 'If you're using a member of an association, you then have the right to complain to the association,' he said. Experts say people should seek multiple quotes – ensuring they're from genuinely different companies – check licensing and accreditation of tradies and resist pressure to sign contracts even in emergency situations. Jane said she had dealt with hundreds of maintenance people in her life, but the experience with her mother's house was different. 'They were basically in my face trying to get me to sign,' she said. 'What if my mum, not understanding, signed on the iPad? She would have been up for a massive bill. 'They're taking advantage of vulnerable people.' Do you know more? Contact
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
I advertised a $130,000 job and received more than 140 applications… the position is still open because of an infuriating reason
A butcher claims a $130,000 position is still open despite receiving more than 140 applications because most candidates were unqualified and struggled to speak English. Clayton Wright, 66, who owns Wrights The Butchers in Alexandria, Sydney, warned Australia is facing a shortage of young tradespeople. He said it adds to the pressures of rising wages, superannuation costs, and broader cost-of-living challenges for businesses. 'We have had a decades-long drain on people that have not picked up the trade. This is what we're suffering now,' he told He said he is desperate for staff and has enough work to double his current headcount. Despite spending $1,100 a month advertising the position online, the fourth-generation butcher said he had not attracted an application from a qualified butcher. Mr Wright said the 140 applicants were all from overseas. He claimed they were candidates with little experience, hailing from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South America. Mr Wright believed they were seeking sponsorships to work in Australia, but said there was no one available to train them. 'This happened years ago in the chef industry, where chef was an easy entry into Australia so all these people came and did a chef's course,' he said. 'The problem is that you have no butchers, so if you bring people in from overseas, you have no one to train them.' Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said Mr Wright was not alone in his struggles. Mr Hunter said many business owners are repeatedly advertising for roles, but still unable to recruit. 'There are three things you can do: you grow your own talent through better vocational training and skills, you can utilise the people that are already here better, or you can increase skilled migration,' he said. 'If you do those three things, then you can certainly have a positive impact for businesses.' Business NSW's 2024 State of Skills report revealed 28 per cent of employers had to make five or more attempts to fill a single role over the past year. More than three-quarters, 77 per cent, said they had struggled to recruit or could not find suitable staff, while 80 per cent had lifted wages or improved conditions to attract workers. The report also found 36 per cent of businesses had delayed expansion plans. Twenty-seven per cent had lost business to competitors due to ongoing staffing shortages. Mr Hunter said the skills shortage was particularly hard-hitting in the regions and trade industries. Mr Wright blamed the increase, in part, on young Australians getting pushed into tertiary education instead of vocational studies. The problem, he claimed, is not isolated to the meat industry. However, he said many young people are put off by the low base award wages, which don't reflect the higher earning potential in the industry.
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Sydney butcher receives 140 applications for $130,000 job — all from overseas, none qualified
A Sydney butcher desperately trying to fill a $130,000 role says he has received more than 140 applications — all from overseas, and not one with relevant qualifications. Clayton Wright, 66, has warned that Australia is facing a desperate shortage of young tradespeople and a 'perfect storm for businesses' of rising wage and superannuation rates coupled with cost-of-living pressures. The business lobby says Mr Wright's experience is far from unique, and that the critical shortage of workers — especially tradies — is no longer just a hiring issue but an 'economic threat'. 'It's not a matter of money,' said Mr Wright. 'We have [had a decades-long] drain on people that have not picked up the trade, this is what we're suffering now.' Mr Wright, a fourth-generation butcher and owner of Alexandria's Clover Valley Meat Company and Wrights The Butchers, says he is desperate for staff and has enough work to double his headcount. But despite spending $1100 per month to advertise the position on Seek, Mr Wright has had no luck finding anyone. 'We've had 140 applications and not one was from Australia,' he said. 'They were from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South America.' Aside from some with experience working in halal slaughter, Mr Wright said the applicants 'had virtually no qualifications at all' and 'most were battling to speak English'. 'They all want a sponsorship,' he said. 'This happened years ago in the chef industry, where chef was an easy entry into Australia so all these people came and did a chef's course. The problem is that you have no butchers, so if you bring people in from overseas you have no one to train them.' Daniel Hunter, chief executive of Business NSW, said Mr Wright was 'not an isolated case', and that 'we are hearing from business owners across the state who are advertising the same job two, three, even five times and still coming up empty'. Business NSW has called for a three-pronged approach to urgently address the skills shortage — training more young people, getting older people back into work, and bringing in skilled migrants. 'There's no silver bullet solution to this, you need to do everything,' Mr Hunter said. 'There's three things you can do — you grow your own talent through better vocational training and skills, you can utilise the people that are already here better, or you can increase skilled migration. If you do those three things then you can certainly have a positive impact for businesses.' Business NSW wants to see the federal government double the Work Bonus program limit for the age pension to $600 per fortnight to allow senior and retired workers greater flexibility to contribute to the workforce. Mr Hunter added there needed to be 'better alignment between migration settings and industry needs, investment in vocational training and smarter workforce planning'. 'Migration settings — especially international student caps — need to be calibrated to ensure businesses across the state have access to the labour they need,' he said. 'The federal government's move last year to cap international student numbers sent the wrong message.' Business NSW's 2024 State of Skills report found 28 per cent of employers surveyed had to make had to make five or more recruitment attempts for a single role in the prior year, 77 per cent reported difficulty recruiting or being unable to find suitable staff, 80 per cent had increased pay or improved conditions in a bid to attract workers and 36 per cent had deferred the expansion of their business. Another 27 per cent reported loss of business to competitors due to being unable to recruit the people they needed. Mr Hunter stressed 'the fact is we are at full employment in Australia and we need people to do the jobs'. 'The missed opportunity here is business growth and the potential of businesses,' he said. 'At the moment they have a handbrake on them. There are restaurants out there that aren't trading seven days a week simply because they can't get staff. The skills shortage doesn't discriminate but it is particularly amplified in the trades and also the regions.' The 2024 survey found that 80 per cent of regional employers were struggling to hire. Many reported turning to stopgap measures, with 36 per cent relying on contractors or external service providers and 75 per cent reporting increased workloads on existing staff, including many business owners themselves 'getting back on the tools' just to stay open. 'Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy,' Mr Hunter said. 'We cannot afford to let them fail because of a solvable workforce issue. The butcher who spent over a thousand dollars on advertising isn't just wasting money — he's losing business. This is unsustainable. Even with competitive salaries and generous benefits, businesses are not seeing qualified applicants, especially in the trades and skilled services. It's not just a hiring issue anymore — it's an economic threat.' Australia's tradie crisis The number of apprenticeships commenced each year boomed from the 1980s until a peak in 2012, and has been steadily declining ever since. As of December 31, there were 311,760 active apprentices and trainees nationally, with over two-thirds in trade occupations, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). That was an 8.3 per cent decline compared with a year earlier. 'It's not just me, it's the whole trade [sector],' said Mr Wright. He said it was a problem that started decades ago with the focus on funnelling school leavers into university education. 'Traditionally everyone leaving school at fourth form became plumbers, electricians,' he said. 'The smarter ones would go onto sixth form and become doctors. They changed they rules and kept kids until they came out of sixth form. The universities saw an opportunity and develops all these different degrees that aren't really worth the paper they're written on.' Mr Wright said the insistence on keeping even the less academically gifted students in school longer also hurt when they did opt for apprenticeships. 'We had kids coming out of school when they were 17 or 18, they were a little bit reluctant to do what generally apprentices may do when they're a bit younger,' he said. 'They had a bit of entitlement, didn't want to do this, didn't want to do that. There was a generational gap as well. That sort of continued for years and years, trades started to diminish. We've come to a point where not only the meat industry, the building industry, electrical industry, we're all having problems.' Mr Wright added that it may go 'missing in translation' for people looking just at the trade award rates for butchers or chefs. 'After a three-year apprenticeship a butcher's award is around $55,000 to $58,000, probably on the level that you'll get in McDonald's,' he said. 'But it's very rare to find anyone that would be on the award, and most would be on double or triple. Typically now you'll get a butcher who'll work five days but really put in some hours, 55 or 60 hours, a lot of them will take home $2000 a week.' Wholesale butchers earn even more. 'When we were growing up the teacher used to say 'if you're not smart at school you can always be a butcher',' Mr Wright said. 'My dad was a butcher, we were very reluctant to tell anyone what we did. A butcher then was probably on the same level as a garbo. Being a young guy going out and finding a girlfriend, saying 'I'm a butcher', they'll run a mile. That has changed dramatically in the last 10 years with the amount of media focused on cooking and cooking shows, butchers are now the celebrities.' Mr Wright said migration was only one part of the solution, and that long-term it was crucial to get young people interested in trades again. 'It all starts at the school,' he said. 'Trades have to be refocused, re-jazzed. [They need to hear the message that] in the majority of trades, at the top end you would earn a lot. There's so many opportunities in trades, I don't know why since Covid it's so hard to get anyone. I think we have a whole generation that are mentally scarred from being locked up during that Covid period.' Mr Hunter agreed that 'we need to bring balance back between tertiary and vocational pathways'. 'Recognise that those vocational pathways are excellent careers,' he said.
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on housing provision: builders needed
Anyone who wants to undertake a refurbishment of their home will know that a key task is finding a builder. And if one can be found, it will soon become clear that the price has risen significantly from what it would have been a couple of years ago. In part this reflects general inflation and in part the shortage of tradespeople in all areas and the higher prices which they now charge. This problem also exists at a national level. The latest quarterly commentary from the Economic and Social Research Institute(ESRI) underlines the point, referring to earlier research it presented, which showed that 40,000 additional employees would be required to increase annual output by 20,000 homes. It had appeared that a fall-off in non-residential construction such as offices might help here, but this has picked up again in the first quarter of this year, while residential construction has fallen. This is part of the reason why the ESRI is cautious on the issue of housing completions this year, saying on current trends that around 33,000 might be delivered, followed by 37,000 next year. And it warns that even these relatively modest forecasts face some 'notable' downside risks. The ESRI says it makes this point in part to underline the difficulty of ramping up housing supply quickly. And it underlines some obvious policy directions in trying to boost training in the sector and also improve productivity through more modern construction methods. READ MORE However, it also points to one more immediate implication. The Government is working on an update of its National Development Programme, the State's long-term investment plan. The dilemma for the Coalition is that doing everything quickly will not be possible, with the economy at full capacity. Trying to progress on all fronts would only push up construction inflation – and anyway would not be achievable, due in part to the shortage of employees. Planning and prioritisation is thus essential. The State has the cash, for now at least, but delivery is complex.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
On-Site Fleet Services of NM Announces $50K Semi-Truck Giveaway to Support Founder's Paralyzed Father
Bryan Duran, founder of On-Site Fleet Services of NM, launches a $50,000 Western Star truck giveaway to support his father's care and inspire the next generation of tradespeople. Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, June 25, 2025 -- A Heartfelt Cause Behind a Big Giveaway Bryan Duran, the founder of On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC, is using his growing TikTok platform to not only promote his mobile and in-shop diesel repair business but also to support a deeply personal cause. Duran recently announced a $50,000 Western Star semi-truck giveaway, an initiative designed to raise funds for his father's medical care after he suffered a life-altering stroke in 2020. Known for his candidness and authenticity on TikTok, where he shares real-world experiences from the blue-collar world, Duran's latest project combines business, family, and community-building in a powerful way. As a small-business owner, he understands the value of hard work and believes that supporting his father's care while inspiring others to pursue careers in the trades can make a significant impact. 'I started this business from the back of a truck. I had no investors, no shortcuts, just tools, grit, and a vision,' Duran shares. 'Now, I'm using my platform not only to help support my father's care but also to give back to the community that has supported me. This isn't just about giving away a truck, it's about creating opportunities and showing people the power of hard work.' From Mobile Repairs to Full-Service Operations On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC began as a mobile mechanic service catering to over-the-road truckers and has grown into one of the most trusted diesel repair businesses in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded by Duran, who was raised on a ranch and learned the mechanics of diesel trucks from an early age, the company's roots are in providing reliable and efficient on-site repair services. 'From fixing rigs on the side of the road to running a full-service shop, our story has been one of growth and resilience,' says Duran. 'While other shops may focus on volume, we focus on trust and delivering quality work. I'm proud of how we've evolved, but we've never lost sight of where we came from.' The company now offers mobile diesel repair services in addition to operating a full-service shop that handles everything from semi-trucks and trailers to RVs and everyday vehicles. Their emphasis on reliability, quick response times, and honest diagnostics has earned them a loyal customer base not just in New Mexico, but across the United States. Supporting Family Through Purpose-Driven Giving The $50,000 Western Star truck giveaway is not just a promotional tool; it's a heartfelt initiative that underscores the importance of family and supporting the trades. Duran's father, Jimmy Duran, suffered a debilitating stroke in 2020 that left him paralyzed, which has placed significant financial strain on the family. Duran's mother has become his father's full-time caregiver, and a portion of all proceeds from the giveaway will go directly to support their care. 'This giveaway isn't just for marketing or publicity,' Duran explains. 'It's a way to support my father's care while raising awareness for the trades. I want to inspire others to see the trades as a real and sustainable career, and I want to show that family values, hard work, resilience, and legacy are what truly matter.' This personal connection to the cause makes the giveaway not just a business endeavor, but a movement that aims to highlight the value of hard work and the often-overlooked trades industry. Building a Movement for the Next Generation of Tradespeople In addition to the giveaway, Duran uses his TikTok platform to showcase the realities of working in the trades. With over 16,000 followers, his content highlights the challenges of running a diesel repair business and the rewards of a career in the trades. By offering mentorship, sharing educational content, and providing tools and resources, Duran is helping inspire the next generation of blue-collar workers. 'I want to show people the truth, no filters, no BS. Just real hustle,' Duran says. 'The trades aren't just surviving, they're thriving. And the people who choose to work with their hands deserve to be celebrated.' Through his engaging social media presence, Duran also encourages young entrepreneurs to consider the trades as a viable and fulfilling career path. His transparency about the challenges and rewards of the business has helped create a supportive community for people looking to enter the field. Impact and Transparency: The Duran Approach What sets Bryan Duran and On-Site Fleet Services apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity and community impact. Whether Duran is sharing his personal journey or working on a truck on the side of the road, he remains focused on building trust with his customers and community. His business is founded on the values of transparency, reliability, and customer care. 'We don't just take the job, we own the outcome,' Duran emphasizes. 'This is about more than fixing trucks, it's about building relationships, creating opportunities, and making sure people know that the trades are an essential and respected part of our economy.' Duran's efforts to raise awareness about the value of the trades, coupled with his deep family ties, are helping to reshape the perception of blue-collar work. His dedication to quality service and community empowerment extends far beyond business, and the $50,000 semi-truck giveaway is just the latest example of his commitment to these causes. On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC Named Best Diesel Repair Business in New Mexico of 2025 In recognition of its outstanding service, On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC has been named the Best Diesel Repair Business in New Mexico of 2025 by the prestigious Evergreen Awards. This award acknowledges the company's excellence in diesel repair, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Bryan Duran's dedication to quality service and community engagement has helped elevate On-Site Fleet Services to a top position in the industry. 'We're proud to receive this recognition,' Duran says. 'It's a testament to the hard work and trust we've built with our customers. It's not just about fixing trucks; it's about creating lasting relationships and making an impact.' About On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC is a diesel repair company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded by Bryan Duran, the company specializes in mobile and in-shop repair services for diesel trucks, trailers, RVs, and everyday vehicles. Known for its reliability and transparency, On-Site Fleet Services has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted diesel repair shops in the region. The company's mission is to inspire others to pursue careers in the trades and to support families in need, as exemplified by their $50,000 semi-truck giveaway to support Bryan Duran's father's care. Media Contact Bryan Duran Founder, On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Bryan Duran Email: Send Email Organization: On-Site Fleet Services of NM LLC Website: Release ID: 89163138 Should you identify any discrepancies, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content provided in this press release or require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions to resolve identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. Our dedication lies in providing accurate and reliable information.
