Tips for tradies at network brekky

TRADESPEOPLE seeking up-to-date information on industry changes and legislation, and to connect with likeminded colleagues, are invited to a drive-through breakfast.

Hosted by Commerce Ballarat as part of the Ballarat Tradie Network initiative, the event is set for Wednesday 28 February from 6.30am to 8am at the Ballarat and District Trotting Club car park.

Tradies are welcome to head along for a free egg and bacon roll and a coffee, and to have a chat to other professionals, aligned organisations and support services.

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said the business advocacy organisation runs industry chats for those who manage people in hospitality, and the tradie initiative is a new version of that model.

“Small trade businesses are often small family teams who can find it hard to keep across all changes to legislation, responsibilities, and requirements,” she said.

“There seems to be something new every time they turn around, so this group is one which will allow them to interreact, but also provide them with info they need in a really easy way.

“Those who come along to the breakfast will get an information pack on stuff they need to know, and we’ll also have people at each of the upcoming events from a variety of services, from apprenticeship support to Federation TAFE, so they can have a quick chat.

“We really encourage anyone in the trade area to come along, and we now gave a Facebook group where we’re posting relevant info.

“We hope to see many of them there for free brekky and a chat.”

Builder, Jack Dodd, said although chambers of commerce can seem more “white collar,” many trade business owners and operators like him are members, and often seek the advocacy organisations’ support.

“I’m passionate about some particular areas of the industry and the Ballarat Tradie Network has stemmed from that,” he said.

“There are a lot of legislation changes coming, and there have been workplace changes in recent years, and for businesses to have people to go to for help and advice, like employment groups, that’s valuable.

“We’re seeing the most changes to the Victorian building industry in history, so it’s great to all get on the same page. We’re all going through the same thing.”

Join the Ballarat Tradie Network Facebook group at bit.ly/49hvmcF and register for the brekky at bit.ly/3SAdgwW.