To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026), the Construction Industry Training Board's National Construction College (NCC) is spotlighting the wide range of mental health and wellbeing support available to apprentices.

Across all three NCC colleges, Safeguarding, Welfare and Personal Development teams work together to help learners feel safe, supported and able to thrive both personally and professionally.

Communication and safeguarding are central to the approach. Regular Wellbeing Newsletters cover topics including physical and mental health, festive wellbeing, drug testing and available support, and mental health and suicide awareness. Safeguarding teams receive ongoing training so they are confident and equipped to respond to sensitive or complex situations.

Structured Personal Development sessions focus on issues that matter to apprentices and employers alike, such as drug and alcohol awareness, mental health in construction, online safety and healthy relationships. During Neurodiversity Week, learners and NCC support staff took part in dedicated sessions exploring neurodiversity and its impact in education and the workplace.

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External partners add further specialist support. The Lighthouse Charity visits NCC colleges to deliver interactive, construction-specific mental health awareness sessions. Apprentices are also signposted to resources from the Association of Apprentices for additional help beyond the college environment.

NCC teams include trained Mental Health First Aiders, and staff hold a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Advocacy in the Workplace. Further details of the support available can be found on the NCC Support for Learners pages.

Life outside the classroom is a key part of wellbeing, particularly for those living away from home for the first time. At the residential campus, NCC England East in Norfolk, a full programme of evening and weekend activities helps apprentices relax, socialise and build friendships. On-site options include arcade games, basketball, circuit fitness, darts, pool and snooker tournaments, a sports simulator, gym sessions, summer tug of war, five-a-side football, remote-controlled cars, gel blasters, and PlayStation and Xbox gaming. Off-site activities range from airsoft, go‑karting and driving ranges to fast‑food runs, swimming, escape rooms, shopping and cinema outings, as well as coastal visits. Other NCC locations offer additional activities.

The wellbeing offer continues to evolve. New programmes being introduced include gambling awareness, addiction awareness and managing stress. Weekly welfare-led events, often suggested by apprentices, complement the timetable, and NCC is exploring additional external speakers to visit its colleges.

Anyone interested in starting a career through an apprenticeship can explore the NCC's range of construction apprenticeship courses.