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In a field that has historically prized individual prowess and competition, a cultural shift is emerging among the new generation of tradies. Inspired by the Future Tradie Report 2024, today’s tradies are increasingly focused on fostering collaboration over competition. This mindset shift is driving innovation, supporting skill development, and promoting a more open, supportive network across the industry.
The shift towards collaboration isn’t just about community; it’s also about practicality. As Mitch Boerner, a tradie who contributed to the Future Tradie Report 2024, puts it, “Nobody's stealing anything from anybody, because you couldn't possibly do all the work on your own anyway.” In an industry with immense demand and a diverse skill set, sharing expertise and pooling knowledge are more efficient than a go-it-alone approach.
This attitude opens the doors for learning opportunities that go beyond traditional apprenticeships and training. Tradies today can learn from others’ experiences, avoiding common pitfalls and benefiting from industry best practices shared by peers. They are using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and LinkedIn to exchange ideas, find tips, and network with other like-minded professionals.
Gone are the days when information was confined to closed circles or industry-specific gatherings. The rise of digital tools and platforms has created unprecedented access to real-time conversations and tutorials.
Instagram has become a favourite among tradies like Robby Kruyer of EvoBuilt, who specialises in boutique home builds. For Robby, Instagram offers direct access to a community of high-quality professionals, enabling him to learn new methods and perfect his craft.
This “passion-fuelled connection” is further enhanced by the ease with which tradies can join discussions, watch tutorials, and share their own knowledge. Robby mentions, “If I can help anyone build better, I'm going to show you exactly what I'm doing. The old-school mentality of keeping everything to yourself is the wrong mentality. We need to work together as a collective.”
One of the most powerful aspects of collaboration over competition is the impact on the quality of work across the industry. As tradies develop specialised skills and learn directly from others’ experiences, the quality of service and craftsmanship rises. This attitudinal shift has a profound impact: rather than seeing each other as rivals, tradies are sharing methods and materials knowledge, often through online channels, to deliver better results.
Take, for example, niche communities within the broader trade industry—whether it’s carpentry, electrical, or plumbing—where tradies are constantly finding new ways to problem-solve and improve. In such spaces, tradies freely share intel on innovative tools, eco-friendly materials, and even project management tips. This is a marked change from the traditional, individualistic “trade secrets” approach and leads to a more reliable, trustworthy industry.
The accessibility of social networks is a game-changer for collaborative learning. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, tradies are forming niche networks where they can ask questions, share insights, and offer help anytime, anywhere. These online spaces make it easier to keep up with new trends, techniques, and tools—all without leaving the job site.
Social media fosters a new type of mentorship, where seasoned tradies and newcomers alike can contribute to the discussion. As more tradies embrace social platforms for networking, they are not just gaining information but also forging relationships that can lead to long-term professional collaborations.
The limitless learning mindset is fueled by a desire for self-improvement and a commitment to building a stronger industry. Younger tradies are more aware than ever of the benefits that come from learning, adapting, and helping others avoid the mistakes they once made. As noted in the Future Tradie Report 2024, knowledge-sharing is now seen as an investment in the future of the industry itself.
Tradies are creating informal learning communities, where every bit of knowledge shared becomes a step forward for the trade industry. Robby Kruyer captures this sentiment well, noting that supporting up-and-coming tradies benefits everyone. He says, “If I can give my knowledge to the up-and-coming builders to help them avoid challenges that we faced, it will build a better future for all.”
The next generation of tradies is reshaping the industry with a collaborative spirit that encourages learning, sharing, and connecting. This approach to limitless learning doesn’t just benefit individual tradies; it improves standards across the industry. By embracing collaboration over competition, tradies are not only adapting to the times but actively contributing to a stronger, more resilient trade community.
Whether it’s through social media, online learning communities, or platforms like ours, the opportunities for growth are endless. Tradies can gain insights, enhance their skills, and build lasting professional networks—all of which translate to better outcomes for clients and a more successful career for themselves.
If you’re a tradie looking to tap into this collaborative movement, consider listing your business on ServiceSeeking. Connect with fellow tradies, grow your skills, and be part of a future-driven network that believes in sharing knowledge to benefit everyone.