Building and plumbing apprentices are drinking less and making better choices than Generation X, according to new research.
“We found 52% of apprentices consume less alcohol than work-mates in the trade,” explains Lisa Abbott, the lead researcher on the project which investigated the alcohol culture of male building and plumbing apprentices across the Frankston Mornington Peninsula.
The research was conducted over four months through surveys, focus groups and interviews with apprentices, trade teachers, local business owners and trade union representatives by The Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership, in conjunction with Peninsula Health, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council, Turning Point-Eastern Health and Chisholm Tafe.
“We found the assumption that majority of trade students drink alcohol was wrong – there are a lot of different attitudes towards alcohol,” says Lisa.
“We also found that diversity is more accepted by apprentices – two-thirds of respondents said it was ok not to drink at all in social settings.”
In contrast, research conducted by VicHealth last year on construction industry drinking culture in Generation X, found less than half of respondents stated that there was no pressure to drink and no issues relating to choosing not to drink.
Lisa says the research showed a few reasons why attitudes towards alcohol have shifted between generations.
“We found there is a strong theme of looking after your mates. There is a shift in 18-24 year olds towards having your mate’s back,” explains Lisa.
“Another part of the shift is because body image is more important to younger guys.”
“They’re not going to drink copious amounts of alcohol when they’re trying to get a six-pack at the gym.”
Sporting clubs have also played a positive role.
“There are more than 90 Good Sports clubs down here on the Peninsula,” says Lisa.
“Young tradies have lots of links with these sporting clubs who are all pushing for players to look after their health and wellbeing.”
The research also found that while these apprentices aren’t consuming alcohol during the week, binge drinking on the weekend is still an issue, with 78% of respondents consuming six drinks or more on one occasion at least monthly.
Lisa says it would be great to build on the culture of mateship to encourage more responsible drinking habits. Together with Chisholm Tafe, she is hosting Breakfast for Champions on 8 December at Tait Timber and Hardware, Somerville. As well as a hot breakfast and coffee, there will be drug and alcohol and mental health service providers on hand to talk about what’s happening to support men’s health and wellbeing across the Frankston Mornington Peninsula.
Jessica Mills
JMills@phcn.vic.gov.au
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