Construction Inclusion Week 2025: Toolbox Talk 1

Opening Doors through Mentorship

Learning how to mentor is a great way to improve your crew. 

This session shows how guiding others can strengthen your work culture, build connections, and help people stick with their jobs on the job site. Get ideas for simple ways to build trust and show support. We'll also cover how to spot a team member who could use a little extra encouragement. Most importantly, you'll learn how to be a mentor every day, even without a formal title, and see how this kind of support leads to a stronger, more successful workforce in the long run.

PILLAR ALIGNMENT: Attract & Retain, Belonging & Workforce Culture, Commitment & Accountability

Sample Activity Options

JOBSITE ACTIVITY

Inspire your team with a quick mentorship story during the morning huddle. Start a “Mentor Minute” during daily huddles, share a quick tip or lesson.

OFFICE ACTIVITY

Launch "Coffee & Questions", a 15-minute chat between a senior and junior staff.

School/Community Activity

Invite students to write a note to someone who guided them.

Group Activity

Hold small group discussions to reflect on one way mentorship made a difference in your own life. Share takeaways with the group.

Discussion Questions

How we support each other on the jobsite is the blueprint for building a stronger, more inclusive crew. We’re going to discuss how we can all be foremen when it comes to helping our teammates, making sure everyone has the right tools to succeed, and laying the foundation for a workplace where everyone feels like they belong. The goal is to focus on practical, everyday actions that make our jobsite safer and our team better.

  • What helped you feel supported as you entered the industry and/or role?
  • What does effective mentorship look like in the field or office?
  • How can mentorship break down cultural or generational barriers?
  • How can we build a culture where everyone is encouraged to mentor?
  • What tools or behaviors make it easier to offer support without formal programs?

Start planning your Toolbox Talk Activities now! Download this Toolbox Talk below or download the full set:

Download Toolbox Talk 1 Download All Toolbox Talks

View More Resources

Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/ Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Career Re-entry

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity - Broadening Opportunity for Qualified Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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