Tradie network event helps peers connect

TRADIES from across the region have gathered at Ballarat North Sports Club to make connections and meet industry leaders.

The Ballarat Tradie Network event was held last Wednesday at the venue’s newly owned sports bar.

The aim of the event was to create community for tradespeople and provide access to resources that may help improve their health and wellbeing.

“There’s no real organisation that targets blue-collar workers,” Commerce Ballarat board member Jack Dodd said.

“It’s always a good excuse to have a drink with people or talk to other trades that you probably wouldn’t normally engage with.

“I think that’s the big positive as it puts you out of your comfort zone.”

Building supervisor Shane Gusman said this was the second Ballarat Tradie Network event he had attended.

“It’s about the networking,” he said. “Being a supervisor, you need trades on your side.

“[Networking opportunities are] something that probably doesn’t happen enough within the community and a lot of it’s probably sport based, and you’re stuck with the same sort of niche people.”

Mr Dodd said it’s important for trades people to build a support network, especially if they work

for themselves.

“Some trades work for themselves so they’re not in a company and it could be a one-man band.

“For people like that I think it’s really good.”

For more information about the network, head to the Commerce Ballarat website.