Providing Organizational Health for the Construction and Skilled Trades Industry
Build a Safer,
Stronger Workforce
Why Mental Health First Aid Matters on the Jobsite
Construction and skilled trades professionals face some of the highest rates of suicide, substance use, and mental health challenges in the country. Long hours, physical demands, and a culture of “pushing through” too often prevent workers from getting the help they need.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based course that teaches people how to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond with empathy, and connect others to appropriate support.
Real Change is proud to offer MHFA training specifically tailored to the construction and skilled trades workforce — helping to create safer jobsites and stronger teams.
What Mental Health First Aid Teaches
MHFA is like CPR for the mind. It empowers individuals to take supportive action when someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Through this course, participants learn:
– How to identify common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use issues
– How to respond in both crisis and non-crisis situations
– How to offer reassurance and encourage connection to professional help
– The 5-step ALGEE Action Plan, which guides responses in real-life situations
– The importance of self-care and reducing stigma in the workplace
MHFA is not therapy — it’s practical, immediate support from someone who cares.
Why It Works for Construction and
Skilled Trades
Led by Lois Elrich, certified MHFA Instructor and President of Real Change, this training is built around the realities of the trades. Participants leave with tools they can apply on jobsites, in breakrooms, or in one-on-one conversations — without needing to be mental health experts.
“Lois made this training real. We walked away knowing what to say, how to help, and that we don’t have to be silent anymore.”
Superintendent, Commercial Roofing Contractor
Whether you’re a foreman, crew leader, safety director, apprentice, or HR manager, MHFA equips you to:
Support
co-workers and team members through difficult moments.
Build
a jobsite culture where mental health is part of the safety conversation.
Improve
retention, communication, and trust across teams.
Flexible Training Options That Fit Your Team
We understand the unique demands of the construction and skilled trades industries — that’s why we offer Mental Health First Aid training in a variety of flexible formats to meet your schedule, location, and learning preferences.
Training can be delivered:
– Group settings of five to thirty
– Virtually or in person
– For field crews, office staff or leadership teams
– During workdays, evenings, or weekends
– As part of a safety meeting, wellness program, or ongoing leadership development
All sessions are led by Lois Elrich, a certified Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and a member of the Ohio Mental Health First Aid Collaborative. We tailor the experience to make it relatable, practical, and impactful — no matter the audience.
Bring Mental Health First Aid to Your Team
When we know how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, we save lives, improve safety, and strengthen the teams we count on.
Schedule a Discovery Call to learn how Real Change can bring Mental Health First Aid training to your company or your next safety summit.
Get Started
“CHANGE THE WAY YOU SHOW UP TO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT.”
Lois Elrich, author, founder, entrepreneur, leadership coach, speaker, and facilitator