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Smart Employment Solutions

Apprentices and Mental Health

Decisions about what to do when leaving school can be stressful, but it’s
important to make sure we think about which path will be the best fit for us, and
the most beneficial. Could an apprenticeship be the right choice to help ensure
a happy and healthy life?
A study conducted by the New University of Sydney, found that young people
transitioning from school into the workplace may benefit from the valuable
social supports of quality apprenticeships, and improve their mental health.
The study also found that after therapies and medications, workspace places as
the next (third) most significant aspect in supporting an individual’s well-being
and mental welfare. It’s good to know then, that businesses employing
apprentices are being encouraged to create ‘mentally healthy’ workplaces that
are enjoyable to work in and increase the happiness and productivity of staff.
As we spend about one-third of our day working (during the work-week), having
a workplace you enjoy spending time in has huge implications for overall
quality of life.

How Can an Apprenticeship Improve
Mental Health?

An apprenticeship brings many benefits; earning regular income; gaining new
skills; becoming proficient in a trade; establishing strong and supportive
relationships, and gaining a sense of purpose and stability. Confidences gained
from acquiring new skills and supports afforded by new social networks are both
important resources to promote and encourage good overall mental health and
well-being.
The social ties and networks created with peers, colleagues, and mentors, bring
great benefits. These are perhaps an apprentice’s biggest mental health resource.
Friendships made between apprentices provide valuable peer-to-peer support,
and provide a safe space to debrief, vent, and discuss any issues or problems they
may be facing.

Perhaps the relationship that is most crucial is the one between employer and
apprentice. Quality mentoring from a respected member of a trade is extremely
valuable.
Further, to see a mentor or employer continue to happily invest in them and their
training, an apprentice’s own sense of personal value may rise.
As well as providing important relationships, apprenticeships are a great platform
for gaining knowledge and skills, developing independence, and creating a sense
of achievement. Learning all of the skills needed to master a trade, being
productive in the workplace, and becoming a valued team-member can lift selfesteem,
boost self-confidence, and provide a sense of purpose and self-worth. All
of which help ensure a happy-head.

Stigma and Tips
Though decreasing, stigma still surrounds mental health concerns, causing some
sufferers to be reluctant to seek help. It has also been suggested there could be
under-reporting of mental health concerns in the trades sector, particularly by
younger workers, however, it is always best to seek help earlier rather than
later, and tackle any issues before they snowball and get out of hand.
There are things you can do to maintain and boost your own mental health,
such as; get sufficient sleep; take regular exercise; make nutritious food choices;
engage in a new sport or hobby; interact with others; manage stress; and,
lastly, seek help when needed.
Here at Smart Employment Solutions, our Employment Officers are ready to
assist where and when they can. If you need to discuss any concerns you may
have, please call 13 30 24 and you will be directed to an Employment Officer,
who can arrange a discussion with the most appropriate organisation like
Mates in Construction, Life Line or Beyond Blue.