The umbrella term 'STEM' considers many more professions than what initially comes to mind. Although STEM is highly prevalent in academic pathways, it needs to be more transparent amongst trades because it forms the fundamental principles of these crafts, such as construction (Arnholz, 2021). STEM learning for children should also make way for cultural narratives and connected selfhood so that children can apply themselves and their learnings to real-world problems.

'Tradie-Me' combines wooden forms and two decks of playing cards. Tradie-Me is a kit that combines independence and collaboration, systematic constructs and imagination, and traditional yet contemporary play. Tradie-Me is a kit with great potential. The kit provides a tactile solution to the STEM shortage in Aotearoa, New Zealand, through small-scale participation, which inspires large-scale perspectives and action.