Wellbeing
Your wellbeing as an apprentice is really important to ensure you feel supported and can succeed both at work and in your personal life.
Balancing your studies, training, and adapting to a new workplace can be tough, so it’s essential to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Your employer and training provider are there to help by offering support, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and providing resources to manage stress.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out, taking care of your wellbeing will help you get the most out of your apprenticeship experience.
Mental Health Resources and Helplines
Samaritans: Offers free, confidential support if you need to talk about anything that’s worrying you, any time of the day or night.
Mind: Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems, as well as information on where to get help in your area.
Papyrus: Specialises in helping young people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Shout: Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support for anyone in crisis.
Student Minds: Supports students with their mental health through peer support programs, resources, and workshops.
Apprentice Wellbeing Hub: Dedicated to supporting apprentices with wellbeing, learning resources, and guidance for balancing work and study.
Tips to Prioritising Your Wellbeing and Taking Care of Your Mental Health
- Stay organised: Create a schedule to manage your workload, study time, and personal life. Prioritise tasks and avoid leaving everything to the last minute to reduce stress.
- Take breaks: Regular breaks during work and study help you recharge. Step away for a walk, practice deep breathing, or do something you enjoy to refresh your mind.
- Stay active and eat well: Physical exercise and a balanced diet can boost your energy and improve your mood. Even a short walk can make a big difference.
- Talk to someone: If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t bottle it up. Reach out to a friend, family member, mentor, or colleague.
- Get enough sleep: Proper rest is essential for maintaining good mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to feel more energized and focused.
Spotting Mental Health Concerns in Others
Part of looking after your wellbeing is also being aware of those around you. If you notice a fellow apprentice struggling, it’s important to know how to recognise the signs and report them to a safeguarding officer:
- Signs of struggle include:
- Withdrawal from social situations or becoming unusually quiet
- Sudden changes in mood or behaviour (e.g., irritability, sadness, or anger)
- Frequent tiredness, lack of focus, or missing work/study without explanation
- Physical signs of stress like headaches or changes in appetite
- Talking negatively about themselves or expressing feelings of hopelessness
- Withdrawal from social situations or becoming unusually quiet
If you see someone showing these signs, approach them with care. Let them know you’re there for them, but don’t feel you need to handle it alone.
Report your concerns to your safeguarding officer, who can offer the right support and guidance. By looking out for each other, we create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.