Apprentice Newsletter Sep 30th
Heads up — next week we’re dropping the Intrade Gear Wall. Only the best kit in the game makes the cut — rated by us, for you. No dodgy tools, no wasted coin. Just the stuff worth your hard-earned. Keep an eye out — it’s landing next week.
And don’t forget — Roll Call’s on at 10:30am. The dunny roll’s hiding somewhere below. First screenshot back scores the Ultimate 36 Piece Socket Set from our friends at KINCROME and holds the Flushlord crown 🚽👑. Keep on top of our Facebook page for winner announcements.
👉 Attendance counts. Don’t sleep on it.
Last Weeks Apprentice Poll Results 📊
The scoreboard’s in: most of you reckon you’re pulling weight like a gun and ready to ask for a rise. A solid chunk admit they still slack here and there, and a few still feel stuck in “gopher” mode.
Here’s the play: if you’re in the top group — stop sitting on it. Ask. Bosses don’t hand out coin for vibes, they pay when you put the case forward.
Tool Talk 🛠️
The unsung hero of every kit? Storage.
It’s not glamorous, but a well-organised toolbox, bag, or belt makes you faster than any shiny new tool. If you’re still chucking everything into a milk crate, you’re slowing yourself down and looking like you don’t care.
Pro tip:
Set your kit the same way every day so you don’t waste brainpower searching.
Keep spares of consumables (bits, blades, pencils) — don’t be “that bloke” asking for one mid-job.
Your tools say a lot. But how you look after them says more.
Pay & Perks 💰
A lot of apprentices don’t realise: your payslip isn’t just hourly rate — it’s overtime, allowances, and site perks.
Check your award or agreement. You might be missing:
Tool allowance 💰
Travel allowance 🚗
Meal allowance 🍔
Overtime multipliers ⏰
Too many just accept the base rate. Smart apprentices track every extra, and when payday doesn’t match, they ask questions. You don’t have to be a pest — just know your entitlements. That extra $50–$100 a week adds up fast.
Career Pathways 🧭
Ever heard of the “shadow tradie”? It’s the 3rd–4th year who’s basically running the job while the boss is off quoting.
This is your best training ground. Watch how they:
Plan the day before it starts.
Delegate jobs without sounding bossy.
Solve problems before they become headaches.
If you’re aiming for leading hand or foreman one day, learn the soft skills now. Tools get you started. People skills take you further.
Money Smarts 💸
Here’s the trap: buy now, pay later.
That shiny rattle gun or brand-new ute looks sweet in the moment, but if you’re on the hook to repayments, you’ve just chained yourself to your pay packet.
Rule of thumb:
If it makes you money, consider finance.
If it’s just for looks, pay cash or don’t buy it.
Debt is quicksand. Build cash reserves first.
Respect on Site ⚡
Respect doesn’t come from how much you know — it comes from how you handle pressure.
Next time the site’s in chaos and everyone’s losing their head, don’t add to the noise. Slow down, think, and get something useful done.
Being calm under pressure is what makes the old dogs start trusting you with bigger jobs. And that’s the fastest way to ditch the apprentice label.
Wrap Up 🔥
Apprenticeships aren’t just a grind — they’re your runway. Every tool, every shift, every week is stacking towards independence and coin.
👉 Whether you stay employed or go out on your own, the habits you build now decide if you’ll be average… or unstoppable.
