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
