How COVID changed trades

Every country felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most are still feeling them.

Here at home, we’re getting back on track. Still, supply chain disruptions and materials shortages continue to cause frustration in our crucial industries.

Things aren’t going back to the way they were – maybe ever. But that might not be bad news. 

From technological innovations to increased skills investment, the pandemic’s impact has surprised everyone.

How COVID-19 changed trades

Lockdowns, distance restrictions, and health concerns were just the tip of the iceberg. Australia and New Zealand are still dealing with the ripple effects of a global pandemic, which include:

• Skilled labour shortages
• Supply chain disruption
• Materials scarcity
• Rising costs

These issues mean a day in a tradie’s boots looks very different. 

Despite all that, tradespeople have remained remarkably resilient. They adapted to changing health measures in the early stages and are finding new ways to overcome logistical challenges.

Apprenticeships are on the rise. Software is making planning and management more efficient. There’s a new emphasis on digital skills development and retraining to future-proof our workforce.

These adaptations mean the outlook for the mining industry, construction, agriculture, and other essential industries remains strong.

What tradies can expect in the ‘new normal’

Mining industry outlook

Mineral exploration reached record levels in Australia in the June 2022 quarter, exceeding $1 billion for the first time. Gold was the standout performer by a wide margin.

Although New Zealand’s mining industry is smaller by comparison, the NZD 553 million ($513 million) GDP contribution is by no means insignificant. Analysts expect that number to grow, anticipating an upswing after a few quiet years. 

Construction forecast

The construction industries in New Zealand and Australia are ready to boom. Despite the triple threat of rising costs, backed-up supply chains and competition for skilled staff, the outlook for construction is optimistic:

• Record 4.3% growth forecast in Australia in 2023 before stabilising to 2.8% until 2026
• Commercial construction expected to counteract slowing residential building activity in New Zealand

If you’re in residential or commercial construction, expect to be run off your feet in the coming years. You’ll want a good pair of tradies’ boots to do your best work.

Changing agriculture industry

After COVID-19 came the war in Ukraine, one of Europe’s largest wheat producers. On the other side of the world, farmers are feeling the effects, with domestic wheat export figures expected to reflect high global prices.

Meanwhile, the outlook for meat and wool exports remains mixed in Australia and New Zealand. Tightening supply and rebounding demand are driving prices up, but export issues and low livestock numbers are expected to negatively affect short-term figures in both countries. 

Tomorrow’s energy sector

Oil prices have been on a rollercoaster ride since 2020. First they plummeted, and now they’re sky-high. It’s hard to predict what will happen in the future.

But there are a few secondary trends that could affect tradies in the energy and resources sectors.

• Digitalisation: Emerging tech like VR, AI and data analytics could see engineers and operators exchanging their tradies’ boots for a computer terminal.

• Renewable energy: Although it’s not going to upend the industry tomorrow, increased renewable energy demand will impact the crude oil and LNG sectors. 

• Emissions targets: Australia and New Zealand have their sights set on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Growing populations: If you thought demand on the electricity grid was high during the lockdowns, wait until our cities and towns have more people powering more devices.

Transport, logistics and warehousing

COVID-19 caused an ongoing upheaval in global supply chains. Transport and logistics are essential industries, and workers bore a heavy burden during the height of the pandemic. 

The key to weathering the storm was agility. Not necessarily the agility you have in a pair of Steel Blue tradies’ boots, but adaptability at the company level.

After COVID, tradies in the transport sector will be dealing with a range of interesting challenges:

• Populations moving away from cities
• Increased online shopping
• Rapidly evolving autonomous delivery technology

International supply chains remain the big challenge after COVID-19. But we can’t ignore the changes closer to home, either. 

What’s next for trades?

It’s hard to know what’s coming around the corner next. Here at Steel Blue, we’re inspired by the resilience of tradies in the face of adversity and excited about the technology changing how we work.

Innovation is in our DNA. Every pair of Steel Blue tradies’ boots has layers of technology designed to support whole-body health and help you excel at work.

See our full range or find your local stockist to get the best equipment for whatever the future holds.