Umeokafor, Nnedinma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4010-5806 and Okoro, Chioma (2023) Mental health and wellbeing experiences of Higher Education apprentices. In: Digital Transformation of Health and Safety in Construction. University of Porto, Portugal, 21st - 22nd June 2023. CIB International Council for Research & Innovation in Building & Construction, Kanata, ON Canada, pp. 243-252. ISBN 978-9727523092

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Abstract

Improved mental health and wellbeing (MHW) of students has positive implications for their engagement, performance, and satisfaction. Consequently, the MHW of higher education students has been examined; however, the MHW of higher education apprentices, who are underrepresented students, has received little or no attention. Using a university in the UK as a case study, the reported study examines the MHW experiences of higher education apprentices and improvement strategies. A questionnaire survey was adopted. Mean and standard deviation scores as well as the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the data using SPSS. The study found that stress from the academic programme, poor quality of life, and apprentices worrying about the programme’s worthwhileness were the top experiences. Further findings revealed that a higher demonstration of institutional commitment, understanding of their diverse circumstances to accommodate them better, and the lecturer/tutor being approachable are critical improvement strategies. Significant differences in the MHW experiences of the apprentices based on their programmes of study (construction and non-construction) were found for three indicators including stress from the academic programme, level of programme worthwhileness (apprentices’ feeling), and previous day level of happiness. While interviews and digital stories are recommended to gain a deeper understanding of these issues, higher education institutions (HEIs) and scholars could conduct similar research using the current study as a framework.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Title of Proceedings:	Digital Transformation of Health and Safety in Construction. University of Porto, Portugal, 21st - 22nd June 2023
Uncontrolled Keywords:	apprentices; underrepresented students; student engagement and performance; diversity; equality; inclusion; male and female; mental health and wellbeing
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education T Technology > TH Building construction
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Engineering (ENG)
Related URLs:	Organisation
Last Modified:	07 Aug 2023 08:17
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/43052

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