A bottleneck of builders: Oromocto braces for shortage of tradespeople in wake of federal funding
More than a billion dollars in upgrades was announced to 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown by the federal government. Couple that with about 2,000 more soldiers plus their family members expected to descend into Oromocto and the surrounding area over the next decade.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-a-bottleneck-of-builders-tradespeople-shortage-9.7148837?cmp=rss

PORT TALBOT: Football legends and social media stars tackle tradie mental health crisis

Former Swansea City star Lee Trundle will join social media sensations The Welsh Erection Boys and Benchin Bricky on the pitch this Sunday, March 22nd.

The event, organised by South Wales-based charity Tradie Events, aims to raise crucial awareness about the mental health epidemic gripping the industry.

New research from Trade Direct Insurance reveals a shocking statistic: nearly seven in ten (69%) tradespeople admit to experiencing mental health issues.

Over a third (34%) of those affected say their problems are at least partially caused by their demanding work.

Patricia Gardiner, sales and marketing director at Trade Direct Insurance, highlighted the immense pressure on tradies.

“Tradespeople often carry enormous responsibility managing customers, materials, cash flow and tight deadlines whilst also dealing with the physical demands of the work,” Ms Gardiner said.

She added: “When you layer financial uncertainty and tool theft risks on top, the pressure can become too much to bear.”

Trade Direct Insurance is now launching a new mental health and wellbeing service, offering free counselling and financial guidance to policyholders.

This vital support includes five confidential counselling sessions per year and 24/7 emotional support for issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Clair Evans, Executive Director at Tradie Events, emphasised the community spirit behind the match.

“This match is about more than just the game, it’s about celebrating the trades, bringing the community together, and shining a light on mental health in an industry where stress and pressure are often normalised,” Ms Evans stated.

The charity has already raised over £10,000, demonstrating the strong support for this critical cause.

Ms Evans hopes the event will inspire “even more conversation and support around wellbeing in the trades.”

The match is a powerful local initiative to address a national crisis, bringing together well-known figures to make a real difference in the community.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh football clubs backed to reach mental health goals
A new programme helps clubs across Wales support players and fans struggling with their mental health.

Swansea man speaks out after years of mental health service failings
A local man shares his experience of being let down by the system — and why change is urgently needed.

Bake Off champion joins Scarlets to back new mental health scheme
A familiar face teams up with the Scarlets to push a new initiative aimed at supporting young people.

One in three GP mental health appointments in Wales ‘failed to meet needs’
A new survey from Mind Cymru reveals widespread concerns about access to mental health support.

#BenchinBricky #Charity #football #LeeTrundle #mentalHealth #PortTalbot #TheWelshErectionBoys #trades #tradesman #Tradespeople

The Home Depot launches AI tool that builds full job material lists for contractors in minutes

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://nerds.xyz/2026/01/home-depot-material-list-builder-ai/

The Ultimate Act of Petty Justice: Painter Turns Building Into a Viral Call-Out for Non-Paying Client

When "the check is in the mail" turns into a public masterpiece of petty justice: The story of the painter who turned a building into a giant unpaid invoice. We’ve all been there—waiting for a payment that never seems to arrive. But in 2020, Dean Reeves, a professional painter from Bolsover, England, decided he had enough of the "I'll pay you tomorrow" routine. After allegedly being stiffed on a £500 ($645) bill for painting the exterior of the former North Star Club, Reeves didn't call […]

https://streetartutopia.com/2026/01/11/the-ultimate-act-of-petty-justice-painter-turns-building-into-a-viral-call-out-for-non-paying-client/

The Ultimate Act of Petty Justice: Painter Turns Building Into a Viral Call-Out for Non-Paying Client - STREET ART UTOPIA

When “the check is in the mail” turns into a public masterpiece of petty justice: The story of the painter who turned a building into a giant unpaid invoice. We’ve all been there—waiting for a payment that never seems to arrive. But in 2020, Dean Reeves, a professional painter from Bolsover, England, decided he had […]

STREET ART UTOPIA
Most apps ask you to work for them.
Pragmatic works for you.
Send quotes, track jobs, take payments, even offline.
No bloat. No waiting. No nonsense.
💡 https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/pragmatic-invoice-maker/id6736955339#Tradespeople #SmallBusiness #FieldWork
Pragmatic: Invoice Maker App - App Store

Download Pragmatic: Invoice Maker by Nikola Knezevic on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips and more games like Pragmatic: Invoice…

App Store
Complexity is what companies sell when they’ve run out of simplicity.
Pragmatic does one thing beautifully:
Gets you paid — faster. 💷
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Pragmatic: Invoice Maker App - App Store

Download Pragmatic: Invoice Maker by Nikola Knezevic on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more games like Pragmatic: Invoice…

App Store
Your van runs offline. Your app should too.
Pragmatic — for trades who value time, not tabs.
Try it free today.
👉 https://apple.co/477qmb4#Tradespeople #Contractors #Plumbers #SmallBiz
Pragmatic: Invoice Maker App - App Store

Download Pragmatic: Invoice Maker by Nikola Knezevic on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more games like Pragmatic: Invoice…

App Store

Plumber due for annual boiler checkup at 0930hr.
Calls at 0920 to say it'll be 1045.
Actually appears at 0954. Doesn't even say "hello" so much as "sorry I need to take this call" while I'm standing in front of him in the doorway.

Bet he wants paid on time though?

#plumber #manners #scotland #tradespeople

To thrive in a vocational career today, it takes more than technical know-how. It takes soft skills. Let’s talk about the five soft skills that really move the needle.

Read more: https://www.careerreload.com/soft-skills-for-thriving-vocational-careers/

#VocationalCareers #SoftSkills #SkilledTrades #TradesCareer #Tradespeople

Whether you’re a high school grad exploring options or an adult craving a fresh start, skilled trades offer a debt-free path to a fulfilling, six-figure career.

Read more: https://www.careerreload.com/skilled-trades-career-pivot/

#SkilledTrades #Tradespeople #TradesCareer #CareerPivot #Trades