Fletcher Wilson and Diujal Howard are fans of TradeMutt’s mission. Photo: Erin Hee.
As more girls and women are taking on trades, two carpentry apprentices feel that having a feminine touch helps break the “macho” culture prevalent among tradies.
Fletcher Wilson and Diujal Howard, 19-year-old apprentices, noticed this culture was more prevalent in older men.
“Not everybody – tradies especially – think they can talk,” Fletcher said.
“So when you’re working with older people, you think that you need to be strong.”
Fletcher described it as needing to “show a strong face even when you’re going through a lot”, but found talking about it made the situation feel lighter, even if it did nothing to resolve the issue.
“There’s a bit of a stereotype that men don’t talk, so it’s good to get it out there,” Diujal said.
Following a Beyond Blue survey that found almost half of tradies in Australia had reported poor mental health that had an impact on their personal relationships, TAFE NSW unveiled a collaboration with mental health organisation TradeMutt.
August is Tradies National Health Month and TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga will be one of the 42 campuses taking part in the initiative.
TradeMutt, which began after two chippies lost a close mate to suicide, makes funky, eye-catching work shirts designed to start conversations that “cut below the surface level” and remind tradies to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing.
The custom-designed shirt by TradeMutt is part of a new statewide initiative to promote awareness and tackle mental health in trade apprentices.
“As the shirt says on itself, ‘This is a conversation starter’. Hopefully the bright colours and whatnot spark a convo for people who are struggling,” Diujal said.
“[TradeMutt] has a big social media pulling too.”
With almost 60,000 followers on Instagram and a recent collaboration with Bunnings, TradeMutt has been hammering away at its mission to promote awareness surrounding tradies’ mental health.
“All their designs and everything is pretty cool,” Fletcher said. “Definitely a big fan.”
“I work with great people, but you can definitely tell from speaking to other people that there’s always been a stereotype,” Diujal said.
Fletcher Wilson thinks the collaboration with TradeMutt is a good initiative. Photo: Supplied.
TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga shopfitting and detailed joinery teacher Clinton Salmon will be wearing the work shirts from TradeMutt “as long as they last”, and even has a couple of spare shirts.
“We understand that new trainees and apprentices are juggling full-time work with their studies, sports and relationships,” Mr Salmon said.
“We understand that being in a trade industry is physically demanding. We just want to promote the awareness around mental health and that they do have support and facilities and access to mental health services to help them on their journey.”
TradeMutt is the founding partner of TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) Alliance, a professional mental health counselling service for tradies, truckies, farmers and blue-collar workers. Tradies can text or call its support line on 0488 846 988, which operates Monday to Friday, 8 am to 10 pm.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
