An Apprenticeship is a challenging and rewarding journey that prepares young people for their future careers. But it also comes with its own set of pressures and difficulties, such as balancing work and study, coping with stress and anxiety, and maintaining healthy relationships.

This is why Men & Co. Services, a not-for-profit support organisation, developed the Harness program and in collaboration with Inscope Training, has been able to deliver their program to apprentice students since the start of 2023.

The Harness program delivers interactive toolbox talks that cover topics such as personal and relationship wellbeing, the impact of choices on life and others, strategies to improve mental health and communication skills, and resources to seek professional help when needed. Talks are held twice a month at Inscope’s Capalaba Training Centre.

The CSQ funded program focuses on preventing domestic violence perpetration and victimisation in the construction industry by providing a safe and supportive environment for apprentices to learn and seek support. As part of their comprehensive service delivery, Harness offers free one-on-one support to students and staff at Inscope Training.

Recently, a situation arose where an Inscope apprentice student was grappling with multiple concerns. In a proactive move, Inscope trainers sought the apprentice’s consent and referred them to Harness.

Subsequent conversations with a Harness counsellor allowed the apprentice to voice his stressors openly, free from judgment. Together, the apprentice and the Harness counsellor devised a personalized plan to address the most distressing aspects of his life. Topics covered included emotional coping, managing intense feelings, dealing with alcohol use, navigating grief, and handling financial stress.

After engaging with a Harness counsellor and implementing recommended strategies, the apprentice reported a significant reduction in anger—an achievement he had never thought possible. Feedback from the toolbox talks has also been overwhelmingly positive, with many apprentices reporting improved confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.

An apprentice, who wished to remain anonymous, said:

“The Harness program has helped me a lot with my personal issues and my relationships. I feel more comfortable talking about my feelings and asking for help when I need it. I also learned a lot of useful skills that I can apply in my work and life.”

Inscope Training and Men & Co are proud of the success of their collaboration to support apprentice’s wellbeing. They believe by investing in the wellbeing of apprentices, they are not only creating better construction industry workers, but also better citizens and community members.

Visit Men & Co’s Harness program for further information on the Harness program.

Visit Inscope Training Trade Apprentice training for further information on the training provided to apprentices.

Inscope Training is taking steps to improve students’ wellbeing and suicide prevention in the construction industry by collaborating with Mates in Construction.

A 2020 report by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), Griffith University for Mates in Construction found that 27.3% of Queensland construction industry apprentices have experienced workplace bullying, and that apprentices have high levels of exposure to suicidal behaviours. Out of the 1483 respondents to the survey, alarmingly 30% reported having experienced suicidal behaviours.

Director and Trainer, Darren Haigh said not only are we supporting the wellbeing of our students, but we are also ensuring that the future leaders of the construction industry are resilient.

“RTOs (registered training organisations) play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of apprentices. An apprentice student’s resilience, both emotionally and academically, is essential to their career development and the future of the industry.”

“It is well known that working in the construction industry can be stressful. As an apprentice you also have the added stress of a low income and coping with other complexities that come with being a young adult, such as relationships and exposure to alcohol and drugs, he said.”

“All these combined, if not managed well, can lead to a poor quality of life and affect overall wellbeing.”

Inscope Training has taken the following steps to support our students’ wellbeing:

• Provide a safe, supportive, and respectful training environment.
• Promote Mates in Construction’s free Apprentice Resilience program to apprentice students.
• Educate our trainers through Mates Connector Training, on how to recognise suicidal behaviours and how to keep a student safe while connecting them to help.
• Advocate the work of Mates in Construction.

Mr Haig said the programs offered by Mates in Construction provide information and helpful tools to improve the overall wellbeing of students.

“The wellbeing of our students is important to us; we can help by providing them with tools and information that will improve their wellbeing and prevent suicide.”

“The Mates Apprentice Resilience program is a self-reflective session that helps apprentices understand what values are important to them. It provides tools and information for them to control their finances, relationships, and health.”

“Furthermore, the Mates Connector training enables our trainers to provide an extra level of support to our students when in a crisis, while connecting them to professional help.”

“It’s only has to help one apprentice and it’s worth it,” he said.

Mates Apprentice Resilience program is designed to help apprentices develop the skills and knowledge they need to cope with the unique challenges of the construction industry. The half day training session is offered to all QLD construction industry apprentices at no cost and is a great way to empower and retain incoming tradies, while making the construction industry stronger and healthier.

For upcoming Mates Apprentice Resilience program sessions visit: MATES Apprentice Resilience Program | Humanitix

Mates Connector Training is provided to volunteer workers on construction sites, designed to help them keep someone safe in a crisis, while at the same time connecting them to professional help.

For upcoming Mates Connector training visit: MATES Events - MATES

3rd Year carpentry apprentice, Josh, is taking steps to advance his career beyond his apprenticeship.

Originally from Ballarat, Victoria I moved to Brisbane in 2019 to study Theology. After a short while I discovered uni wasn’t for me. I left my studies and began working as a removalist until a client, who liked my work ethic, offered me an apprenticeship.

The best thing about my apprenticeship is doing something I love. Each day I do something different and at the end of the day I get to look back and see the tangible result of my hard work.

The construction industry can have some harsh (Old School) people in it but a lot of those old ways of thinking and doing things have changed as the industry has grown and evolved. Gone are the days where bosses are always hard and cracking onto their boys all the time.

I also run a business called Brisbane Southside Handyman. I perform maintenance and repair work on anything related to a house. For example, painting, plastering, concreting and carpentry. But I'm always open to new challenges and work. Recently, I installed a door on a boat for a client.

What I like about Inscope Training is that I can come into their Training Centre and put into practice the theory I've learnt. Coming from a different training provider that did not do in-house training really makes me appreciate what Inscope does.

I’m already thinking of my future and have enrolled in a Cert IV in Building & Construction. I hope for a future that is less on tools and more in the management field. I'd still like to be onsite, so maybe as an inspector or builder?

This article is part of the Inscope Training Student Profile Series. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about the trade apprenticeship training, we deliver in Queensland and New South Wales.

Inscope Training has won the Education and Training category at the Redlands Business Excellence Awards.

Now in its 5th year, the Redlands Business Excellence Awards shines the spotlight on Redland Coast businesses that display excellence in business, leadership, customer service or community.

Inscope Training was recognised for providing quality educational opportunities to more than 780 apprentices and thousands of short course students throughout Queensland, as well as contributing to the Redland Coast economy with its head office and Brisbane Training Centre in Capalaba.

Inscope Training CEO Chris Marsh said the win was unexpected considering our competition, so we are extremely proud of this achievement.

"We are extremely proud and humbled to take home the 2023 Redlands Business Excellence Awards for Education and Training!", he said.

During his acceptance speech, Mr Marsh, thanked the Redland Coast Chamber of Commerce and sponsors for recognising Inscope's value.

“Thanks to the (Redland Coast) Chamber of Commerce for recognising that we are making a valued contribution to the local economy.”

“Outside of the value that we provide our students, we are extremely proud and humbled that we have been able to bring value to the local community as well.”

“Also, thanks to the sponsors, Mark Robinson MP.”

A carpentry trade isn't a traditional career path for most women, but for 2nd year apprentice Alanna, it ticked all the boxes.

Carpentry wasn’t my first choice straight out of school. When leaving school, I felt pressured to go straight to uni, so I applied and was accepted into a criminology and justice degree. I stuck with that for a semester before changing to a business degree. After a year, I realised uni wasn’t my thing and I needed something more physical.

It made sense for me to give carpentry a go because my father was a chippy. It was the trade I knew most about. As a child, I enjoyed making things out of timber off cuts with my Dad while at his work.

I work for Fifth & Co. based in Brisbane’s Southside, constructing new builds and renovations. A typical day for me as an apprentice is helping the boys with tasks, cutting timber for them, or working together to build wall frames, stand trusses and put-up steel. Sometimes I am given tasks like fitting windows to complete on my own and test my abilities and memory.

Some weekends I help my dad out with building staircases for his work. This is something that my company does not do, so it provides me with a great learning experience.

The thing I like most about my job is seeing a piece of land turn into a beautiful home with the help of different trades. As well as renovating homes to make them safer, brighter, or give them a new look.

Lifting materials and equipment is the hardest part of my job. I have been working on my strength by hitting the gym after work. Strength takes time, so what felt heavy a year ago doesn’t feel as heavy now, so I know it can only improve.

"Training with Inscope Training has allowed me to do all of my training on-site while still having the opportunity to go to the Training Centre if I wish.
They regularly check in with me, answer all my questions and stop by the job site to discuss improvements or commend my efforts."

In 5-10 years, I see myself as a qualified carpenter either working for a company or having my own with a focus on finished work such as decks, fix-outs, stairs, furniture, renovations, and makeovers. These are the jobs I enjoy the most and am best at.