We know that during your apprenticeship things do not always fall into place as you would like. You do not need to have all the answers to all of the new challenges that your life will bring, and you may not know how to navigate some of the unfamiliar territory you may find yourself in.

The answer is to talk to someone!

Life Care is a service provided by Incolink to support apprentices and young people throughout Victoria in the building and construction industry. Incolink Apprenticeship Support Workers will confidentially assist you to track down whoever it is that is best suited to support you in your particular situation. We can assist regardless of what is making you “do it tough”. If you are having a hard time in either your work life or your home life, affecting your wellbeing or your apprenticeship, we want to hear about it.

During your apprenticeship you will meet your regional Apprentice Support workers when they provide the Life Care session at your local training provider or TAFE. Remember: nothing is too small to chat to us about. You do not have to go through it by yourself. Incolink provides free and confidential support.

Young people new in a workplace can often face issues and have questions they have not encountered before. Incolink offers a range of support and counselling services specifically for apprentices and young workers in the construction industry. Help with career pathways and skills training, as well as information on, and links to, the range of government allowances available to apprentices are also available through Incolink.

Incolink's Apprentice Support Workers offers a free confidential support and referral service to apprentices and young workers to ensure they are equipped to deal with workplace, trade school and personal pressures and difficulties. This includes information on issues like drug and alcohol abuse and suicide prevention. Employers can also use the service where apprentices or young workers are giving them cause for concern.

Contact the Incolink Apprentice Support Workers by email at memserv@incolink.org.au or telephone on (03) 9668 3064 or mobile on 0408 343 757.

Name: Troy Matisons
Position: Life Care Worker & Apprentice Support
Email: troym@incolink.org.au
Direct Phone: 0438 059 859
Location: Western Region of Victoria

Incolink’s Life Care Program is aimed at suicide prevention by increasing wellbeing for apprentices and workers in the Victorian Building and Construction Industry. The program assists them to prepare for, and cope with, the daily pressures of work and life.

The apprentice support workers conduct various Incolink presentations for apprentices in TAFE colleges throughout regional and metropolitan Victoria. These presentations cover a range of topics such as alcohol and other drug education, life-skills, suicide prevention and financial management. The workers are also available to provide follow up support and counselling to apprentices.