A cup of concrete is what is typically served to tradies going through a tough time.

That's according to Nadia Bindel, a field officer at MATES in Construction.

She's been in the construction industry for 25 years, and is now taking tradies across the North Island through mental health courses to prevent the 'alarming” suicide statistics facing Kiwi builders.

Tauranga's Marra Construction is the latest company to be accredited through the MATES course, which fellow field officer Damian Tuiloma says is 'breaking new ground” after 100 per cent of the Marra team completed the general awareness training course.

One of Marra's apprentices, Kairangi Jones, says his biggest takeaway from the course is the importance of communication.

Marra Construction apprentice Kairangi Jones. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.

'This course really taught us how to help others and make sure they're alright. The team at MATES showed us the suicide statistics in our industry, how it happens and how to prevent it by talking and connecting with the person who needs help,” says Kairangi.

Nadia says the construction industry has the highest suicide rate in the country.

'Men don't want to generally talk about their feelings and what's going on inside, but are happy to talk about other things like rugby and fishing. What we do at these courses is set up a safe space for men to have these conversations.

'The trainers who are part of the course all have their experiences with suicide themselves, and even they admit opening up about their feelings is hard. Mental health is gradually becoming more spoken about these days, I think the uptake of a course like this is really important.

'We've had guys who have been in the industry for a long time say ‘I wish this was around 20 years ago' because they know someone who the course could have helped.”

Marra general manager Greg Johnston says his biggest takeaway from the MATES course was the alarming statistics in the industry.

Marra Construction general manager Greg Johnston. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.

'We're very aware when it comes to health and safety on work sites, but very unaware of the issues around suicide and suicide prevention. It's a real eye-opener.

'More people die in construction from suicide than workplace accidents, so a course like is very important. A number of staff have also used this knowledge in their home lives, so what we've learned isn't only suitable to be used at work."

Marra Construction health and safety coordinator Bradley Debnam says the whole team is embracing their new knowledge from the MATES in Construction course, both old and young.

"A lot of our younger guys were really keen to get involved with the course, and a lot of our older workers who have been around a while know someone who has taken their own life, so they can relate to the issues in our industry and are keen to do their bit to fix it."