In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Steph Apostolides (Melbourne Chippy Chick) — carpenter, content creator, and founder of Trady Lady Hire.

Steph shares her journey from working with her dad on-site to becoming one of the most recognised female tradies in Australia. The conversation dives into the realities of working in construction, the challenges women face on-site, and why initiatives like Trady Lady Hire are reshaping the industry.

They also break down:

• The truth about trade school vs real on-site experience
• Why most “qualified” operators aren’t actually skilled
• The rise of female tradies in Australia
• Workplace culture, equality, and what actually needs to change
• Hiring issues in construction (and why honesty matters)
• The fuel crisis and it ...