Reevaluating Hustle Culture: Finding Balance in Mental Health, Career and Business Ownership
There was a period in my life when being busy felt like proof that I was doing well. I would work long days, miss social
Support for Construction Students
Real stories, practical support and honest conversations for students, apprentices and adult learners preparing for life in construction.
Support for Construction Students
Real Support for the Journey Ahead
Starting a career in construction can be exciting but it can also bring pressure, uncertainty and plenty of questions about what life in the industry will really be like.
You may be learning a trade, preparing for your first placement, completing an apprenticeship, changing careers or studying construction at college or university. Wherever you are in that journey, your wellbeing matters just as much as the skills you are developing.
Onward Shift gives you access to honest construction stories, practical resources, supportive conversations and people who understand some of the pressures you may be facing.
You do not need to have everything figured out and you do not need to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out.
You Do Not Need to Be in Crisis
Support is not only for people who have reached breaking point. You may want to understand your thoughts better, improve your confidence, prepare for working life, learn from someone else’s experiences or simply feel less alone in something you are facing. Taking an early step can be as simple as reading one article, listening to one podcast or speaking honestly to someone you trust. There is no perfect way to begin. Start wherever feels manageable.
Who Is This Support For?
These services have been created for people aged 16 and over who are studying construction at college or university. Completing a construction apprenticeship. Attending a trade or technical training programme. Returning to education as an adult learner. Preparing for a placement or first role in the industry. Already working while continuing their education. You do not need previous experience within construction and you do not need to be experiencing a mental health problem to use our resources.
Start With One Conversation
You do not have to use every resource or know exactly what kind of support you need. Choose one place to begin. Listen to a conversation that interests you. Read about something you have been experiencing. Join a Walk & Talk. Speak to somebody you trust. Ask us a question. One small step can help you understand what the next one needs to be.
Support for Students
Free Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Onward Shift is for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, learn from other people’s experiences or feel more prepared for life within construction.
Our podcasts, blogs, newsletters and Walk & Talks are free. Coaching and counselling are paid one-to-one services, with prices explained clearly before anything is booked.
Coaching and counselling conversations are treated confidentially. A provider may need to act where there is a legal obligation or a serious concern about somebody’s safety.
The wider resources are suitable for learners aged 16 and over. Some individual services may involve additional consent or safeguarding requirements. Contact Onward Shift and we will explain what support is appropriate.
If your life is at risk or you believe you may harm yourself or somebody else, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
For other immediate support options, visit the Onward Shift Urgent Help page.
Helpful Reads for Your Journey
My Daily Battle with ADHD: A Journey of Struggles, Strengths and Self-Discovery
People sometimes ask me whether I see ADHD as a superpower or a burden. My honest answer is that it depends on the day. There
Coaching and Counselling in the Construction Industry: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits
Imagine two people leaving the same construction site at the end of the day. One has recently been promoted and is struggling to lead people
