NIC Launches Mental Health Pilot Project For Trades Students

North Island College is launching a new pilot project to provide targeted support to students in the Trades.

The pilot project will focus on Trades because of the unique opportunities and challenges in the industry.

A 2022 BC Coroners Service report found more than half of the employed people in the province who died of an overdose worked in the Trades sector, and the most recent WorkSafeBC stats show mental health claims rising steadily in recent years.

“Trades, like many sectors, are seeing the opportunity to recognize health and wellbeing priorities of students and apprentices,” said Cheryl O’Connell, dean of trades & technology.

“Our goal is to offer self-directed support and resources of value to establish and maintain a strong foundation of good mental health practices as students pursue their training and enter the sector. These being resources which can serve them as they move through their apprenticeship journey and become future mentors and employers of the next generation of students.”

The program will offer resources for both students and employees and a dedicated facilitator to be a trusted contact for students who need support or have questions.

There will also be a focus on building a network of support among the students themselves, so they have people they can turn to for support when they are out working in the industry.

The pilot project is set to run for two years.

To learn more, visit North Island College.