Mental health and well-being are becoming central to how construction trades prepare the next generation of craft professionals. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 34 in St. Paul, Minn., is helping lead that shift by treating a once-taboo subject as a core part of apprentice education.
Local 34 Builds on Last Year’s Training
Under the leadership of Business Manager Al Byers, every Local 34 apprentice took part in a dedicated Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) session focused on mental health and substance use. The session revisited topics first introduced last year, and apprentices came back ready with new questions and a willingness to go deeper.
That follow-up approach is intentional. Rather than a one-time presentation, Local 34 is using ongoing education to build lasting awareness and a culture where members feel supported.
What Apprentices Learned
Hamilton Baiden, CEO of YouTurn Health, led the discussion for more than 100 apprentices. His presentation covered the mental health and social challenges apprentices face on and off the jobsite, including:
- Mental health awareness
- Substance use in the construction trades
- How to recognize behavioral warning signs
- Why physical and emotional safety go hand in hand
- Building a stronger culture of advocacy for members and their families
Insulator apprentices spend years mastering the technical skills that make them leaders in the mechanical insulation industry. Sessions like this one give them equal opportunity to develop the interpersonal skills that union craft professionals rely on throughout their careers.
Jordon K. King, Local 34 JATC Apprenticeship Coordinator, said the training was about giving apprentices resources they can lean on in every part of their lives.
“As the apprenticeship coordinator, I want our apprentices to have access to support and resources that can help them both on and off the job,” King said. “Hamilton from YouTurn Health delivered an important message in a way that connected with our group, and we’re grateful to YouTurn Health and IMAP for helping make this opportunity possible.”
How IMAP Supports Insulators Union Members
Through IMAP, Youturn Health provides free, confidential support to members of International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and their families to help with challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use and thoughts of suicide. The program prepares Local Union leaders to engage members, raise awareness and connect people with professional help when they need it. Officers also receive specialized training that promotes the clear-thinking construction workers need to stay safe and productive on the job.
IMAP and the Insulators Union remain committed to bringing these classes to members and connecting them with available resources, one local union at a time.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.