Business owner: ‘Where have the tradies gone?’

A TOOWOOMBA business is on the hunt for a qualified boilermaker or motor body builder, but despite a traditional job advert and promoting posts on social media, they have been met with a very slow response.

Six Wheeler Conversions is in desperate need of a new tradie to join its team, but the search has left owner Michael Briggs wondering where all the tradesman have gone.

The business was started in Dalby by Gary Briggs about 33 years ago but moved to Toowoomba in 2014.

With just under 50 conversions done last year, and with a healthy forecast for this financial year, filling the role is vitally important.

Owner Michael Briggs said it was highly unusual to get such a small number of applications.

“Those received so far are not holding quite enough experience for the role on offer. So where is everybody?” he said.

With social media becoming a popular platform for advertising, Mr Briggs compiled a post saying he was looking for a new team member.

It was seen by more than 32,000 people and he still hasn’t received many applications.

Mr Briggs said he was baffled and wondered if there were still qualified tradies looking for work in Toowoomba.

“I’m not sure if they have left to work in towns elsewhere or are they just happy in their current roles,” he said.

Duties of this role include automotive fabrication and vehicle assembly, MIG welding, some automotive electrical and mechanical work and some lathe operation.

Six Wheeler Conversions is at 1 Brook St, Toowoomba.

If you or someone you know is interested email sales @sixwheeler.com.au.