The Block’s foreman Keith Schleiger has criticised modern-day tradies, saying that they lack a strong work ethic and ‘want to be mollycoddled’.

The reality TV star, who left the beloved Aussie reality series last year after featuring in 11 seasons, expressed his concern regarding the next generation of blue-collar workers to Perth Now.

‘(Young tradies) want to be mollycoddled as much as possible,’ he claimed.

‘I’m also finding the standard of people before they start is not the same.’

Despite his disdain, the 50-year-old went on to say that he didn’t think the new generation of tradies were solely to blame for their reduced work ethic.

Instead, he pointed the finger at the lack of education available to apprentices, particularly in his home state.

The Block’s Keith Schleiger has criticised modern-day tradies, saying that they lack a strong work ethic and ‘want to be mollycoddled’

‘We’ve taken away tech schools from the schooling system in Victoria. It’s really made a big difference to the standard of tradesmen that we have,’ the series regular revealed.

‘In the old days, apprentices were ready to go before they started, because they’ve done plenty of hours in school. These days they don’t. It takes them a long time to catch up.

He insisted he wasn’t trying to be harsh but was instead just stating the facts: ‘I’m calling it as it is’.

Last week, Keith made a shock admission about The Block after walking away from the reality show juggernaut.

The television tradie, who starred as the foreman on the long-running Nine series, stepped back from full–time duties on the show in 2024.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Keith revealed he hasn’t been tuning in to the current season, as his schedule is just too full.

‘I haven’t seen much of it, I must admit,’ said Keith, when asked for his thoughts about the current crop of contestants.

‘Both of my kids are very into sport and I’m quite often not home between the hours of 7.30 and 8.00 due to my kids playing sport, so I haven’t seen a lot of this season.’

The reality TV star, who left the beloved Aussie reality series last year after featuring in 11 seasons, expressed his concern regarding the next generation of blue-collar workers to Perth Now. Pictured with The Block host Scott Cam and fellow series foreman Dan Reilly

Despite not being a regular viewer, Keith added he was sure the site at Daylesford had been left in good hands.

‘I’m sure Dan [Reilly, current foreman] is doing very well,’ he said.

‘He’s very good at his job and I don’t know if he’s missing me or not, but I’d say he would be.’

Keith did admit to taking in some of the current series, when time permits.

‘It’s nice, I’ll just sit back and watch every now and again, I must admit. Last night’s episode was pretty cool.

‘I’ve probably watched about maybe an hour a week.’