Omesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs, in conversation with Aaron WD Huey, Tradies Wellness and Personal Development Coach.

1. CRAFTING WELLNESS:
INSIDE THE TRADIES’ JOURNEY TO...
WELLNESS AND
PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Could you share your background
and how you began your journey
as a Tradies Wellness and Personal
Development Coach
After serving as an apprentice, I was
qualified as a carpenter in Scotland at
sixteen. I relocated to Australia at 26,
climbing the ranks from carpenter to site
foreman and eventually to site manager.
I have witnessed the various challenges
and nuances inherent in the construction
industry, particularly concerning men’s
mental health and wellness. However, it
was not until I encountered my mental
health struggles following the loss of a
couple of friends that I truly began to
question my place in the industry and
whether I wanted to continue down that
path. Turning to personal development
and life coaching to cope with my personal
challenges, I discovered insights and
techniques never openly discussed on
construction sites during my twenty
years as an apprentice and tradesman.
Recognising the value of these lessons
from my professional and personal
experiences, I felt compelled to share them
with my colleagues on-site.
What inspired you to focus on wellness
and personal development specifically
for tradies?
Many of the lessons I’ve learnt from
coaching others and undergoing coaching
myself underscore the importance of
personal development. Regardless of
one’s past or aspirations for the future, it
boils down to individual growth—how we
think and act. In the construction industry,
there is often a prevailing sentiment urging
men to toughen up, soldier on, or use
the local Aussie phrase “Shell be right”.
While this mentality may be suitable for the
demands of the job site, I’ve personally
experienced the repercussions of carrying
these frustrations home and inadvertently
taking them out on my family. Sadly, I’ve
witnessed many others in similar situations,
returning home to a six-pack of beer and
their dog because of strained relationships
due to unresolved issues from work, which
means they have driven their loved ones
away.
Consequently, I’ve taken it upon myself to
impart some of the hard-earned wisdom
I’ve acquired, aiming to spare others from
enduring the same struggles. It’s crucial
to convey to the guys on site that just
because things have always been a certain
way doesn’t mean they must remain so.
However, effecting change has to come
from the individual. This is why personal
development is the linchpin for progress.
In your experience, what are some
common wellness challenges that
tradies face in their profession?
One of the primary issues I often encounter
is the neglect of physical health among
construction workers, even though our
bodies, like the tools we use, are essential
for our work. It’s not uncommon to see
guys at the servo buying unhealthy foods
like pies and energy drinks from the crack
of dawn to power through the day, only
to find themselves burnt out later. They
arrive home exhausted, lacking the energy
to engage in any activities or opting to
drown their fatigue at the pub, which
inevitably leads to hangovers and impaired
performance the next day.
While physical well-being is undoubtedly
crucial, I’ve observed a recurring challenge
stemming from the generational mindset
prevalent in the industry. Many individuals
enter the construction field because
they’ve witnessed their fathers, uncles,
or brothers navigate it with the “toughen
up, get on with it” mentality. Undeniably,
this mindset is valuable for cultivating the
resilience necessary for the demanding
nature of our work. However, it’s crucial
to recognise that this same approach
shouldn’t extend to their mental health
or what they’re grappling with internally.
Building resilience is essential, but it
shouldn’t overshadow the need to
address mental health issues and personal
struggles effectively.
How do you approach addressing
mental health issues that might arise
within the tradie community?
Initially, addressing this issue may seem
straightforward, yet many Men (especially
tradesmen) struggle to take this crucial
step. Simply put, it involves initiating
conversations about what they are
experiencing and how they are feeling. It’s
astonishing to see how many people in a
single room grapple with similar challenges
Omesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs, in
conversation with Aaron WD Huey, Tradies Wellness and
Personal Development Coach.
AARON W D HUEY
NSW MASTER BUILDER NEWS NSW MASTER BUILDER NEWS
38 MBA NSW | Issue One | January-March 2024 Issue One | January-March 2024 | MBA NSW 39

2. face in the future, such as when starting
their own business or raising a family. By
imparting these lessons and providing
them with tools for success in handling this
and themselves, we can better prepare
apprentices for the challenges they may
encounter throughout their careers.
Another one I often tell young apprentices
when they first start. Especially the ones
that want to quit or wait to complete their
qualification or apprenticeship. It’s only four
years of your life. Get the qualification and
skill set, And it will take you anywhere. You
may never use it, but at least if you have
that trade qualification, you have it. And
you can pick up a job anywhere around
the world.
How do you foresee the future of
wellness and personal development
evolving within the tradie community,
and what changes would you like to
see?
We are making positive strides in opening
up conversations about mental health and
wellness within the trades industry.
However, there is still a significant
distance to go. While numerous
courses and legislations
are in place, many of these
initiatives often feel like merely
checkbox exercises for HR
departments, needing more
authentic proactive engagement
with the boots-on-the-ground
tradies.
Organisations like TIACS and Health in
Trades, providing free counselling services,
are making remarkable contributions
to support blue-collar workers during
challenging times. These services are
invaluable for helping individuals navigate
difficult periods when they struggle to see
clearly.
In addition to counselling services,
I advocate for introducing personal
development programs at an individual
level for tradespeople. By understanding
their triggers and learning how to
overcome them, individuals can enhance
their skills as tradesmen and become
better fathers, husbands, and sons.
Building resilience is crucial in an industry
as demanding as construction, where
thick skin and mental fortitude are
essential. However, it’s equally important
to recognise that while the work may
be challenging, it doesn’t have to be
insurmountable. Open communication and
support systems can make a significant
difference in improving mental well-being
within the trades industry.
yet refrain from discussing them due to
fear of being perceived as weak or “crazy”.
While the stigma surrounding mental health
is gradually improving, there’s still so much
to do. While it’s encouraging to see more
advocates and increased dialogue about
mental health, there’s a pressing need for
more proactive measures to support both
men and women on construction sites.
Less HR box ticking and more action.
Can you share some practical
strategies or practices you’ve used
to promote physical wellness among
tradies?
During my site toolbox talks, I often
promote a simple yet effective framework
comprising three strategies: Tune In,
Check Up, and Reach Out. The concept
behind Tune In involves paying attention to
your body and mind—acknowledging what
you’re feeling and the thoughts running
through your head, whether positive or
negative, as well as those aches and pains
that come with the daily grind of the body
onsite.
Check Up is another critical aspect that
many men tend to neglect. It’s about
prioritising regular visits to the doctor for
health checkups or addressing any minor
health concerns we often overlook. This
includes routine checkups recommended
for specific age groups that frequently get
postponed.
Lastly, Reach Out emphasises the
importance of seeking support when
needed. Whether it’s reaching out to a
friend, colleague, or professional if you’re
struggling or simply extending a hand to
someone you notice isn’t quite themselves.
Taking the initiative to ask if they’re okay
or need someone to talk to can make
a significant difference in fostering a
supportive environment on-site.
What role does mindset play in the
wellness journey for tradespeople,
and how do you cultivate a positive
mindset?
Mindset plays a crucial role, and
maintaining a positive outlook is
paramount. Unfortunately, many individuals
in the trade industry harbour a negative
mindset due to the strenuous nature of
the job. It’s common to encounter older
tradies who have become entrenched
in this negativity. They moan, argue, and
express dissatisfaction with their workday
in and day out, yet come back day after
day and persist in this pattern for years on
end, ultimately wondering why their mental
health suffers. We all know a grumpy
tradie; if you don’t, YOU are that tradie.
However, adopting a positive mindset
can make a world of difference. Instead
of viewing work as a burden, cultivating
gratitude for the trade, the skills acquired,
and the income it provides can lead
to a profound shift in perspective. By
approaching each day with appreciation
and acknowledging the opportunities
presented by one’s skillset, individuals can
find greater fulfilment and enjoyment in
their work.
What are some misconceptions about
wellness in the trade industry that you
aim to debunk through your coaching?
One common misconception about
wellness is that it’s all “woo woo” and
about practices like meditation and
connecting with nature, which some
perceive as too feminine or weak.
However, I aim to shift this perspective by
helping individuals understand the deeper
aspects of their well-being. Individuals can
gain valuable insights into themselves by
exploring what triggers them and why they
behave in specific ways.
Engaging in wellness practices isn’t about
conforming to a particular image but
rather about becoming the best version
of yourself or improving daily. The tradies
can become better fathers, partners, and
overall societal contributors by embracing
these techniques.
It’s essential to emphasise that neglecting
wellness can have serious consequences.
Suppose individuals fail to make time for
their well-being. In that case, they may find
themselves grappling with illness or even
facing tragic outcomes such as suicide,
which, unfortunately, is becoming more
prevalent in our industry. By understanding
themselves better and prioritising wellness,
individuals can avoid such dire outcomes
and lead happier, purposeful lives.
Could you walk us through a
success story where your coaching
significantly impacted a tradie’s overall
wellness and personal growth?
I recently had a client who was a father of
three and owned his own business. When
his marriage broke down, it sent him into
a downward spiral. He struggled to show
up for work, often sleeping in and missing
out on important jobs. He would overwork
himself at other times, leading to a cycle
of inconsistency and exhaustion. However,
after a few sessions together, we were
able to identify his purpose and address
the issues surrounding his relationship
breakdown.
By confronting his emotions and facing
his problems head-on, he found himself in
a more productive space at work and in
his personal life with his children. Initially,
he had been avoiding dealing with his
problems, hoping they would disappear.
But as we uncovered and addressed
each issue, he realised they were more
manageable than he had feared. This
tendency to bury one’s head in the sand
is common among men, but it only allows
problems to fester and grow larger over
time.
However, by confronting fears and
tackling problems directly, individuals
can better understand their situation and
develop effective strategies for resolution.
Ultimately, facing these challenges lightens
the burden and paves the way for a more
fulfilling and balanced life.
How do you tailor wellness plans
to accommodate tradies’ physical
demands and schedules?
Most of my coaching sessions occur after
hours, as most tradies are on site until
at least 5 PM. These sessions primarily
involve one-on-one calls conducted either
via phone or video call. However, I also
provide the guys with skills and techniques
to help them manage stress and anxiety
throughout the day, which they can easily
implement from wherever they are: site
office, Ute or even the dunny.
They can utilise these strategies
comfortably in their office or their truck on
a job site. Taking just 10 minutes can allow
them to practice these techniques and
effectively manage their well-being amidst
their busy schedules. We are helping them
go about their day with a clear head and
function with clarity.
Are there specific personal
development tools or techniques that
you find particularly beneficial for
tradespeople?
Box breathing is one of the essential
techniques I advocate, which has
personally benefited me both on-site and
at home. This method involves sitting and
consciously regulating one’s breathing
patterns and inhaling for four seconds,
holding the breath for four seconds,
exhaling for four seconds, and then
holding the breath out for four seconds.
By repeating this cycle, individuals can
manage anxiety, alleviate stress, and
lower their heart rate. The US Navy Seals
champion it.
The process is simple: individuals can
effectively quiet the mind and bring
themselves into the present moment
by focusing solely on the breath. This
conscious breathing decreases stress
levels and lowers the heart rate, fostering a
sense of connection with oneself here and
now. For individuals like site managers or
foremen who juggle multiple responsibilities
and require clear thinking, box breathing
provides mental clarity and enables
effective multitasking.
How can tradies balance their
professional responsibilities with
prioritising their wellness and personal
development?
As tradesmen, many of us tend to
identify deeply with our trade, viewing it
as more than just a job. Consequently,
we commonly bring work home, answer
emails, and take phone calls even after
hours. However, tradesmen must establish
boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life
balance.
Setting boundaries ensures a distinct
period when work-related matters don’t
encroach upon our personal lives. This is
essential for nurturing relationships with
partners and children and carving out time
for ourselves. After long days of working
12 to 16-hour shifts, it’s vital to switch
off and unwind for at least a few hours.
Even for those without families at home,
prioritising wellness—whether physical or
mental health—requires stepping away
from thoughts of work and recharge.
I’m a firm believer in the
strategy. “Leave your boots
and sh%t at the door.” So,
at the end of the day, you kick
off your work boots at the door or
the garage just before you go home. Take
5 minutes. Leave everything from the site
at the site, the arguments, the stresses,
whatever it may be, so that when you go
through the door, you present for your
family. Likewise, if there are any issues
at home in the morning, you don’t take
them to work or out on the guys’ site. It’s a
simple but effective strategy.
What advice would you offer to young
tradies entering the industry about
maintaining their physical and mental
health?
One crucial lesson that apprentices
should learn is to avoid falling into the
trap of relying on quick, convenient
foods. It’s common for tradesmen to
prioritise convenience due to the fast-
paced nature of the job, but prioritising
balanced, nutritious meals can significantly
benefit them in dealing with the physical
and mental demands of the job site. As
new tradespeople, apprentices may feel
invincible, much like we all did at that
stage. However, it’s essential to teach
them about the potential stress they may
NSW MASTER BUILDER NEWS NSW MASTER BUILDER NEWS
40 MBA NSW | Issue One | January-March 2024 Issue One | January-March 2024 | MBA NSW 41