Ready for a role reversal? In this episode, our co-host Simon switches sides of the mic to share his journey into the construction industry. At 31, Simon swapped spreadsheets for power tools to become a mature-age apprentice carpenter.

Join Ryan and Simon as they dive into the joys of becoming a tradie, chasing dreams, and the importance of 'sponge mode' in learning.

Explore what it takes to get a builder's license in QLD, the realities of a mature-age apprenticeship, and the crucial role of communication skills onsite.

Ready to build your dreams? Let's gooo!

Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Simon: @simon.mee89 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. 

Visit ramset.com.au today.

Meet Oliver Saunders, a seasoned electrician and successful business owner of Saunders Electrical Group for over 6 years. Teetering on burnout, and working +15-hour days, he realised there had to be a better way to run his business.

Join Oliver, Simon, and Ryan as they discuss his entry into electrical work, the grind of early career stages, and the pivotal moment he decided to get a business coach.

They also explore the balancing act of running a business and maintaining a healthy family life, the reality of near burnout, and the art of time blocking. 

Plus, they shine a light on the different skills required for being on the tools vs running and owning a business, as well as Oliver's advice if you're considering starting your own venture. 

Ready to spark your entrepreneurial spirit? Let's gooo!

Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Oliver: @oliverjsaunders 

Follow Saunders Electrical: @saunderselectrical

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. 

Visit ramset.com.au today.

Is it time to rethink that meat pie and choccy milk every smoko break? Sometimes, being a successful tradie means taking care of your body and giving it everything it needs to excel on site, day in and day out.

Featuring Mackenzie Baker, a qualified nutritional coach who knows a thing or two about fuelling the body, tune in with Simon and Ryan as they discuss whether a meat pie is indeed the best smoko snack and explore small changes you can make that can lead to a healthier life. 

Hear why an all-or-nothing mentality and strict dieting doesn't work, how to balance and flex your food intake, and what to expect when you're eating right (hint: it's not just about weight loss or gain).

This episode guarantees you to walk away with practical tools for fuelling your body right, so you can rock up to the worksite feeling your very best. Press play!

📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Mackenzie: @mackenziebaker_

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? DM us! 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. 

Visit ramset.com.au today.

In this episode, we're joined by the phenomenal Beth Merceica of Blue Eco homes in NSW, the hardworking 4th-year apprentice who was just crowned 2023 HIA Australian Apprentice of the Year. Hear about their inspiring journey of changing careers, discovering passion in building and construction, and what it feels like to win such a prestigious title.

You'll also discover what it takes to build a passive house, the challenges of constructing a 7-star house, and the innovations that drive sustainable building. Plus, learn about Blue Eco Homes' pre-fabrication system and finding fulfilment with volunteer work in third-world countries.

Ready to redefine the future of building? Strap yourself in for an ep that will show you what it takes to become a rising star in the industry.

🎥 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia 

📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Beth: @chickenchippybuilds

Follow Blue Eco Homes: @blueecohomes

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us! 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. 

Visit ramset.com.au today.

In this episode, we're joined by Darren Brown, aka @AussieDeckingChippie, a once 'terrible apprentice' turned qualified chippy. With the right mindset and determination, he turned his fortunes around to become a decking master, now running a successful decking business with three teams. 

Listen in as Darren, Simon, and Ryan dive into the benefits of carving out a niche in a big industry, the lessons learned from launching a business twice, and the dangers of scaling too fast.

They also delve into the importance of understanding the materials you work with, and take a trip down memory lane with Ramset's old J20 concrete nailgun and how the new Frameboss XPM is an absolute time-saver on site. 

Find out how Darren 'nailed it' to become the AussieDeckingChippie.

🎥 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia 

📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Darren: @aussiedeckingchippie

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us! 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. 

Visit ramset.com.au today.

Get ready for a legendary episode with Aimee Stanton, aka "The Lady Tradie" From her plumbing roots to co-founding Tiny Stays and Zadie Workwear, Aimee's mantra is that failure is just another stepping stone to success.

In this ep, join Ryan & Simon as they dive deep into the importance of giving it your best shot, no matter the odds. Aimee's own journey, from school expulsion to overcoming her first turbulent week of apprenticeship, is proof that perseverance pays off.

Aimee also shares her wisdom on diving into new ventures. Spoiler alert: If you don't do it now, you might never do it. So, gear up, step out of your comfort zone and just go for it!

Tune in now for a few laughs, hit of inspiration, and all-round good vibe.

Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Aimee: @aimeekatestanton

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset.

Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.

Visit ramset.com.au today.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses issues related to mental health.

In this raw and revealing episode, we chat with ex-carpenter turned tradie development coach, Aaron Huey. Having faced his own mental health challenges, Aaron is now on a mission to equip others in the industry with the tools they need to stay mentally fit.

From simple breathing exercises to setting goals, he shares practical strategies to boost mental resilience. Aaron breaks down his 3-step strategy, offering listeners a valuable tool for tough times.

But here's the real kicker - he dives into how changing your mindset can not only lead to a more fulfilling career in construction, but a happier life overall. You don't want to miss this if you're looking to strengthen your mental wellbeing and power through the rough patches.

Your mind is the ultimate tool in your kit. So, join us as we smash through barriers and build bridges to

mental strength with Coach Huey.

Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Coach Huey: @aaron_wd_huey

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us!

If you, or someone you know is in need of mental health support, know that there is help available.

Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 to get help.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset.

Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.

Visit ramset.com.au today.

une in for an unforgettable episode as we chat with Joey and Miles, high school mates turned business partners from East Elevation Construction. They share their inspiring journey how they turned their dreams into reality by diving headfirst into the building and construction industry, together.

Discover how they navigated the uncertainties of starting a business in challenging times and the courage it took to make that leap. They share the perks of being your own boss and achieving that elusive work-life balance while running a successful construction company.

Joey and Miles also delve into the importance of learning on the job, and what they look for in an apprentice.

Their story is a testament to the power of mateship and persistence. So, tune in as we unravel the journey of these high school mates turned successful business owners.

 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia

 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow East Elevation Construction: @eastelevationconstruction

Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us on Instagram.

Raw, real, and relatable - this episode talks to Matt Findlay, a seasoned builder hailing from the South Coast of NSW who's here to hammer home some lessons from life and business.

Matt gets real about the rewarding 'I built that' feeling, a unique perk of residential building. He takes us on his journey into the family building business and how it shaped his approach and success in the industry.

But what keeps him going? Matt opens up about his 'keep on keepin' on' mentality, a mindset we could all learn from. Ready to get inspired and level-up your game?

Tune in and let Matt's story fuel your ambition.

 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia

 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Matt:@findlayconstructions

Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.

What if the key to a fulfilling career was right in your tool belt? 

In this episode we chat with Bardie Somerville about she how chooses to show up every single day and give her all, and how that ignited her passion for building. A game-changing young chippy, who’s infectious enthusiasm for having a crack at almost anything - Bardie's amassed a huge social media following by turning her passion for building into a thriving career. 

In this candid conversation, Bardie shares her journey of discovering her passion, overcoming the ups and downs, and building mental resilience on site. We dive deep into the power of self-belief and the art of persevering through challenges. 

She shares how she shows up every day, even when the going gets tough, and the importance of giving everything a crack. So, if you're ready to drill into your passion, tune in and get ready to be inspired.  This is an episode that'll make you believe in your ability to build a career you love. 

 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia
 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia

Follow Bardie: @bards.builds

Follow The Shift: @theshiftau

Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.