The trade winds of change.
The shortage of skilled trade workers in the residential building industry is persistent.
Prior to the pandemic there had been a steady decline in the number of students studying trade qualifications, with high rates of student attrition.
The measures put in place to support apprentices retain employment throughout the pandemic disruptions have successfully reduced the attrition rate. The apprenticeship wage subsidies also contributed to a substantial jump in the number of students undertaking trade training. The approach has been very effective in motivating employers to hire apprentices and it is expected that the extension for continuing apprentices will see stronger rates of completion in the coming years.
In order to alleviate the structural shortages of skilled trades it is critical that the current level of training commencements and completions are maintained.
While creating training and employment opportunities for local workers must always remain a priority, it is also critical that the migration system provide greater scope for unmet demand for skilled trades, whether through short or long term strategies. The pandemic has clearly shown a workforce limited to local supply cannot adequately meet the nation’s needs during peak periods of home building.
The current visa categories and pathways for skilled building trades are inappropriate, complex and costly, meaning very few people take up the opportunity. The system is biased to university qualifications despite the minimum requirements to train and gain a license in Australia being through vocational education and experience.
Also, while looking at retention and training, the relevant industrial relations policy may need some more clear definition. Independent contracting underpins the high productivity rate of the residential building industry in Australia. Against this backdrop the rise of the ‘gig’ economy and contractors that work through online platforms is fuelling confusion regarding the definition of a genuine independent contractor.
Some of this confusion arises from the inconsistent treatment of contractors by government agencies based on varying definitions. In seeking to define ‘gig’ workers there is also potential for more stringent regulations that unduly impact genuine independent contracting. A streamlined, nationally consistent approach is essential and will ensure that more than 200,000 genuine independent contractors operating in residential building can continue to do business.
Todays Good Reads
Education? Amateurs? Billions at stake?
US College sports try to get its archaic model into 2022.
Pork barrel policy.
The Guardian take a cheeky Jordan Shanks flavoured swipe at the federal election.
Uncle Roger’s victory lap
Nigel Ng’s still amazed by the fandom caused by an orange polo
Its in the frame.
Frameless glass shower screens are changing the way we do bathrooms – and they just got a whole lot sexier.
Planning bathroom layouts is one of the most difficult tasks in a new build or renovation and when frameless shower screens burst onto the bathroom scene it opened up a world of new and exciting design options. No longer a trend but a mainstay of modern bathroom design, homeowners are now thinking outside the square to embrace the latest interior design trend – curves.
The great challenge in bathroom design is where to place the shower to get the best use of the limited space and in relation to other bathroom fixtures. With new solutions developing all the time, installing a frameless glass blade to separate your shower from the main bathroom solves design issues and provides a luxurious, contemporary finish. The trend for curves in homes continues to evolve, edging its way towards the bathroom via arched entranceways, doors, windows and mirrors – so it’s not surprising to see this trend finally get its feet wet. Here’s what you need to know.
5 REASONS TO INSTALL A FRAMELESS GLASS SHOWER SCREEN
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Frameless construction means the divider disappears from view, making the bathroom space appear larger and more streamlined
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Frameless glass is easier to clean with a squeegee blade on a daily basis after use, with fewer nooks and crannies for mould and dirt to collect
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Glass blades can be cut to size to solve issues with fiddly fixtures and doors – whether sliding or hinged
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Floor-to-ceiling designs allow flexibility with size and more options for placement of showerheads and tapware
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Combinations of fixed screens with a hinged door can also be frameless, allowing control of over-splash in any sized shower
Ok, so this all sounds impressive but we need to talk cost. The glass used for frameless screens is of a very high grade and toughened so more expensive than the glass used in conventionally framed shower surrounds. Glass can actually be customised to form an enclosure, so rather than a tiled wall, a custom-built glass shower may be more economical in the long run. While frameless shower screens come in a range of standard sizes, having one custom cut to size is not unusual. A curved top is an added expense and service only offered by specialty glass suppliers.
Frameless glass suits both modern and traditional bathroom designs. While a minimal look lends a contemporary edge, even classic bathrooms with moulded tiles and decorative tapware benefit from the lack of visual interruption.
La Vida Vegan – Subiaco
For this weeks small business shout out, we are extending some love in the direction of fellow Subiaco residents, La Vida Vegan. In an age where the science behind the health benefits of eating less meat is becoming more well known, places like La Vida Vegan, which offer a curated range of animal free foods are becoming more and more important. Their staff are friendly, their range is extensive and whether you are a full blown vegan or a carnivore wanting to embrace meat free Monday, they will have the stock and knowledge that you need. In the spirit of Small Business Shoutout, go check them out and give them some love!
Content with more content
Now if you prefer to consume your information through audio instead of through text (which is understandable) come and check out or podcast which lives here. It is a show we are doing weekly which has a nice blend of education and entertainment aimed at the prospective homebuyer.