Free online tradie directory dedicated to keeping plumbers, sparkies and more in work amid COVID-19
Locked-down Melburnians and companies in need of skilled workers can now access an online directory covering more than 30 trades. And as the COVID-19 crisis bites, its creators say the easy-to-use register helps tradies spruik their expertise.
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Two friends from Melbourne’s southeast have created an online tradie directory dedicated to keeping the state’s handy men and women in business amid the coronavirus crisis.
Modern Visual Carrum Downs tech guru Luke Trewin and Melbourne Masonry Dandenong brickie Scott Howard are the brains behind Trade Employ, an online advertising portal where tradies looking for work and people looking for tradies can advertise for free.
The online platform is open to workers across more than 30 trades including concreters, plumbers, plasterers, stone masons, tilers, air conditioner specialists and arborists.
And Mt Martha father Mr Trewin — who grew up in Seaford and has owned Modern Visual on Lathams Rd for more than five years — said the site also catered to people looking for general labouring work without specific qualifications.
He said the bright idea was brought to life when he met Mr Howard through a tech project the group was completing for Mr Howard’s booming bricklaying business from Dandenong South.
“We were doing some work together and came up with the idea … it sounded pretty solid,” Mr Trewin said.
“We know there’s a number of tradies’ heads that are on the chopping block at the moment … especially with smaller crews that don’t have big contracts and have lost work.
“Whether people need someone with a particular skill or just a set of hands, they can just hop on the site … it’s free for both businesses to look for workers and for workers to list themselves.”
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The men said it was most important for them to help struggling traders get through “tough times” and said the industry still remained strong despite the economic impact of coronavirus.
“It’s all about seeking opportunity at the moment,” Mr Trewin said.
“In times like these a lot of people sit on their hands and think the world is ending … but the trade industry is still looking strong.
“We’ve created a platform that will hopefully help more people get through this.”
For more information, visitwww.tradeemploy.com.au