Background
Australian construction workers experience suicide rates 84% higher than other workers, with increased rates again for younger and less skilled workers (King, Liddle & Nicholas, 2023) with apprentices being particularly vulnerable. A survey of Queensland construction apprentices revealed high levels of suicidal ideation, with nearly one third (30%) of participants reporting having experienced thoughts about suicide within a twelve-month period (Ross, Wardhani & Kõlves, 2020) – far surpassing the 3.3% seen in the general Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Furthermore, the survey revealed that apprentices are further at risk of experiencing workplace bullying, increased psychological distress, poorer quality of life and high exposure to suicidal behaviours from others (Ross, Wardhani & Kõlves, 2020).
Program Development
In response to the increased risk of suicide for construction apprentices, OzHelp developed the Life Skills Toolbox training program. The program aims to equip apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices, build resilience, and maintain wellbeing, while addressing numerous psychosocial risk factors for suicide. The program consists of six modules covering topics such as mental health and wellbeing, substance use, bullying and workplace relationships, financial capability, and physical health. The program, which is currently undergoing accreditation against Suicide Prevention Australia’s Standards for Quality Improvement, and has recently undergone an internal review, incorporating feedback from lived experience and industry stakeholders.
Each module is three hours in length, facilitated by OzHelp’s experienced training team. The multimedia modules ensure maximum engagement with the evidence-based content. Trainers share the content verbally and visually via PowerPoint, featuring video content from people with lived and living experience, and engage participants with “Slido” activities designed to facilitate meaningful discussions. All resources and referrals are also available on a shared ‘resource hub’ webpage accessible to participants over the entire duration of the course.
Outcomes
The program’s effectiveness with be measured with a revised evaluation framework, aligning with the new content. The evaluation measures change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours/skills post-completion of the entire program and after each module. Between July 2022 and June 2023 OzHelp delivered 41 Life Skills Toolbox sessions to a total of 510 participants. Early evaluation data has revealed positive trends with notable improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours across five modules piloted with the revised content. The inclusion of new evaluation surveys enhances the program's ability to quantify its impact and refine its content further.