Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a variety of burdens for apprentices and, as a result, in a need for resources to deal with them. The present study examined answers to two open-ended questions, which were part of a larger online survey about the burdens and resources during the pandemic from 1442 Austrian apprentices. Data collection took place from 29 March to 18 May 2021. The answers were analyzed with qualitative content analysis and revealed that most apprentices were burdened by pandemic-related restrictions and rules, the impairment of their social life, and in their mental health. In terms of resources, they mostly fell back on their social contacts, especially their friends. Besides their social life, many apprentices also used personal attitudes, leisure activities, and distractions to deal with their stresses. The study sheds light on some of the background reasons for the high psychological distress among apprentices. In order to better support young people in coping with stress, it is recommended to expand preventive and educational mental health measures targeted at apprentices, to facilitate access to low-threshold psychosocial services for young people, and improve financial support for the receipt of these.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various burdens to apprentices, prompting the need for resources to cope with them. A study involving 1442 Austrian apprentices examined their responses to open-ended questions regarding the burdens and resources during the pandemic. The findings revealed that apprentices were mostly burdened by pandemic-related restrictions and rules, the impact on their social life, and their mental health. They relied on social contacts, particularly friends, as well as personal attitudes, leisure activities, and distractions as coping resources. The study highlights the need for preventive and educational mental health measures, improved access to psychosocial services, and enhanced financial support for apprentices.