The Wounded Workforce is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative new certification program, Building Resilience-Construction Mental Health Certification, the first-ever holistic mental health certification designed and built specifically for the construction industry. Released in November 2024, this transformative program is now open for bookings for 2025 sessions, empowering construction professionals to address mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, and proactive mental health care on the job and beyond.

“Construction faces some of the highest rates of mental health challenges of any industry- including instances of suicide and substance abuse. Yet, until now, there hasn’t been a comprehensive mental health program tailored specifically to the industry’s unique needs,” said Stephanie Lemek, Founder and CEO. “Building Resilience is more than a certification—it’s a movement toward creating safer, more supportive workplaces in construction.”

The half-day, in-person program equips participants with essential tools and actionable strategies to:

• Foster Mental Health Awareness: Understand mental health and mental health challenges in the construction context.
• Prevent Suicide: Recognize warning signs and build proactive support systems.
• Address Substance Abuse: Learn approaches to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help. We also review responses to overdoses and Naloxone (Narcan).
• Cultivate Resilience: Enhance self-care and create sustainable practices for workforce well-being that align with the unique needs of the construction workforce. 

This certification program was envisioned, developed, and piloted by experienced construction professionals who understand the day-to-day realities, challenges, and pressures faced by the workforce on job sites. By leveraging their firsthand industry insights, we’ve ensured that Building Resilience speaks directly to the unique needs of construction teams—from frontline tradespeople to project managers—truly making it a program built by construction, for construction.

Participants who complete the course will earn the Construction Mental Health Certification from The Wounded Workforce, positioning their companies as leaders in mental health advocacy and proactive safety measures.

“Construction professionals are resilient by nature. This certification honors that resilience while providing the education and tools necessary to navigate mental health challenges head-on,” said Lemek. “We’re helping individuals and companies take concrete steps to prioritize wellbeing and safety.”

Building Resilience is already generating significant interest for its 2025 sessions, with bookings from contractors, trade unions, and safety professionals who recognize the critical need to safeguard mental health on job sites. According to CDC data, construction workers face significantly higher risks of suicide, making targeted interventions like Building Resilience crucial. Early booking is encouraged to secure your spot for this impactful program.

For more information, or to secure a session, visit our website or contact Stephanie Lemek at [email protected].