Fit for work from day one: Helping young starters thrive

Every summer, a new wave of young workers – including school leavers and apprentices – steps into the construction workforce. They’re keen, hardworking, and often unsure where they fit in.

The early weeks matter. If a new team member gets hurt, stressed, or overwhelmed and doesn’t speak up, it can quickly lead to absence, burnout, or a missed opportunity. That’s a setback for them – and for your business.

The ECIS Private Medical Insurance (PMI) scheme, which includes the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), gives firms a practical way to support younger workers as they start their careers. It’s more than a benefit. It’s a tool for building a healthier, more stable workforce.

Why early support matters

Construction isn’t an easy environment to enter. New starters are more likely to pick up strains as they adjust to physical work or struggle with mental wellbeing as they find their feet. And because most site teams are male dominated; many won’t want to “make a fuss”.

A small injury or quiet worry left unspoken can quickly snowball into something bigger – missed shifts, long-term absence, or even a decision to leave the industry altogether.

That’s where timely access to support makes a real difference.

The construction sector has long faced a shortfall in new entrants. As Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA, recently noted, “We haven’t been bringing new people into the industry in the numbers we needed to.” [1] That makes every apprentice and school leaver more valuable than ever – and supporting them early on helps turn new recruits into long-term team members.

What the ECIS scheme offers young workers

The ECIS PMI and EAP scheme helps take the pressure off by giving younger team members fast, confidential access to care when they need it. Support includes:

• Fast-track physiotherapy and musculoskeletal support – new starters are likely to pick up strains or minor injuries as they build strength and adjust to the demands of physical work
• 24/7 mental health support via the EAP – without the need for GP referrals or managerial involvement
• Confidential counselling – to help with anxiety, stress, or homesickness, especially for those living away from home for the first time
• App-based access – makes it easier for young workers to get support on their terms, with no need to navigate complex systems or time-consuming admin

This kind of early intervention helps new workers stay on site, avoid worsening problems, and build confidence that they’re not on their own.

Adjusting to site life

The transition from education to the working world can be a shock. Early starts, long shifts, physically demanding roles, and fast-paced environments all take a toll – especially when combined with new routines, unfamiliar expectations, and pressure to prove yourself.

Younger workers might ignore warning signs, hide injuries, or push through stress to avoid looking weak. But that puts them at higher risk of burnout or injury. With the ECIS scheme, early support is easy to access and doesn’t require navigating the NHS or waiting months for appointments.

Having help on hand shows new starters that it’s not just about getting the job done – it’s also about staying well while doing it.

Building life skills, not just work skills

Many apprentices are learning to manage adult life for the first time – including budgeting, living away from home, and juggling work with training. That can be overwhelming.

The EAP doesn’t just deal with workplace stress. It also offers practical advice and support on personal topics, such as money worries, sleep problems, or relationship pressures. All conversations are confidential and available 24/7, helping young workers build personal resilience alongside their site skills.

Confidence to speak up

Confidence comes with experience. For a young worker just starting out, it’s hard to know what’s normal – or when to ask for help. The ECIS scheme gives them a safe, direct route to support, without needing to go through a manager.

Sometimes, one quiet call to a counsellor or one early physio session can be the difference between sticking with the job or walking away.

Reducing dropouts and building loyalty

Retaining good people is one of the sector’s biggest challenges. Apprenticeships take time and money to deliver – and losing a new starter in the first six months is a cost most businesses can’t afford.

The ECIS scheme helps firms protect their investment by offering:

• Early, easy access to support
• Tools to reduce absence and presenteeism
• Fast routes to recovery for minor injuries and mental health challenges

For firms already on the scheme, promoting it from day one makes a big difference. Mention it during inductions. Include it in toolbox talks. Share simple guides on what’s covered. And use anonymised examples to show it works in real life.

You don’t need to train young workers to ask for help – just make it easy when they’re ready.

Stronger teams from the start

Young workers who feel supported are more likely to stay, grow into skilled team members, and strengthen your business over time. That’s especially true for those involved in physical activities outside work, from grassroots to top-level sport. When sporting injuries overlap with early career strains, quick access to treatment can be the difference between long absence and staying in the game – and on the job.

Fit for work, fit for life

Helping young starters thrive isn’t just good for them – it’s smart business. The ECIS Private Medical Insurance scheme, including the Employee Assistance Programme, gives you a simple, effective way to support new workers, reduce early absences, and build a reputation as a firm where people want to stay.

Find out how ECIS can help you support the next generation at https://ecins.co.uk or email ecis@ecins.co.uk.

[1] Beyond Wages: The key to attracting and retaining skilled workers. https://ecins.co.uk/beyond-wages-the-key-to-attracting-and-retaining-skilled-workers/