Update

Supporting Apprentice Wellbeing at CITB National Construction College

Published
7 May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week | 11–17 May 2026

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re shining a light on the wide ranging support available to apprentices at the CITB National Construction College (NCC).

Across all three NCC colleges, our Safeguarding, Welfare and Personal Development teams work together to support apprentices’ mental health and wellbeing - helping learners feel safe, supported and able to thrive both personally and professionally.

How We Support Mental Wellbeing

NCC provides a proactive, inclusive approach to apprentice welfare through a combination of education, awareness and one to one support.

Wellbeing Communication & Safeguarding training

Regular Wellbeing Newsletters, covering topics such as:

  • Physical and mental health

  • Festive wellbeing

  • Drug testing and available support

  • Mental health and suicide awareness

  • …and much more.

The CITB safeguarding teams receive regular training, ensuring they feel confident and capable when handling challenging or sensitive situations.

Personal Development Sessions

Apprentices receive structured Personal Development learning on key topics including:

  • Drug & Alcohol Awareness

  • Mental Health in Construction

  • Online Safety

  • Healthy Relationships

During Neurodiversity Week, both learners and CITB support teams took part in dedicated sessions exploring neurodiversity and how it impacts individuals in education and the workplace.

External Mental Health Support

  • The Lighthouse Charity visits NCC colleges to deliver interactive mental health awareness sessions, specifically tailored for the construction industry.

  • Apprentices are also signposted to resources from the Association of Apprentices, promoting additional mental health support outside the college environment.

Trained Mental Health Supporters

Members of the NCC support teams are:

  • Mental Health First Aiders

  • Qualified with a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Advocacy in the Workplace

You can read more about the support available here: NCC Support for Learners (Before & During Studies)

Life Beyond the Classroom: Activities at NCC England East

For many apprentices, coming to NCC is their first time away from home. At our Residential College – NCC England East (Norfolk), we offer a wide range of evening and weekend activities to help learners relax, socialise and build friendships.*

On Site Activities

  • Arcade games

  • Basketball

  • Circuit fitness

  • Darts tournaments

  • Sports simulator

  • Gym

  • Pool & snooker tournaments

  • Tug of war (summer)

  • 5 a side football

  • Remote controlled cars

  • Gel blasters

  • PlayStation & Xbox gaming

Off Site Activities

  • Airsoft

  • Go karting

  • Driving range

  • Fast food runs

  • Swimming

  • Escape rooms

  • Shopping trips

  • Cinema trips

  • Coastal visits

*Other activities are available at other NCC college locations

Always Evolving Our Support

NCC is committed to continually developing its wellbeing offer. New programmes currently being added include:

  • Gambling awareness

  • Addiction awareness

  • Managing stress

We also run weekly welfare-led events, often suggested by apprentices themselves and continue researching new external speakers to visit our colleges.

Interested in an Apprenticeship at NCC?

Explore our wide range of Apprenticeship courses available Apprenticeship courses for construction.