Construction industry officials and healthcare representatives say the downturn in new building projects and widespread sacking in Tasmania has taken a toll on apprentices' mental health.

The ailing industry has impacted most heavily on its newest participants. Apprentice numbers have been slashed as building firms try to keep their older staff. Reports say the state's economy is an equally dilapidated condition – with unemployment at a nation-leading 8.5 per cent. Figures show there are 700 fewer apprentices in training now than in 2011.

One mental health organisation, OzHelp Tasmania, says it has led to an alarming increase in construction apprentices needing support, feeling depressed or suicidal.

OzHelp CEO Doug Vautier says he is greatly concerned about the worsening mental health condition of the state's young workers, with depression and anxiety on the rise.

“If you're one year in two years in and there's nowhere else to go then you're a half qualified tradesperson with no future,” he says

“They don't have any control... at least once you're qualified you can move on and do something.”

Mr Vautier says cases of apprentices reporting suicidal feelings have nearly doubled: “That's quite alarming. I think it's dire in terms of young people need a future, or need to focus, on the future and without having anything to look for or anything to aim for or goals to aim for that creates an imbalance,” he said.

Tasmanian economist Saul Eslake says industry conditions are not likely to improve in the short-term.

“Compared with the rest of Australia, Tasmania's performance is probably as bad as it’s been at any time it’s been since the recession of the 1980s... it's the longest period of consecutive decline in spending by households businesses and governments in Tasmania since this particular series began,” Mr Eslake says

TasTafe spokesperson Jon Grant says the building downturn has hit apprenticeships at their foundation, saying; “we've seen a 30 per cent drop in commencements of apprentices specifically in construction and we see more apprentices coming back that have had their contracts suspended.”

Apprentice Josh Thornton spoke out about the matter, saying it was concerning he and others may not be able to get training in their home state.

“I love Tassie with an absolute passion and it's where my heart is, it's where my family is, it's where I call home... when I actually have to look to move away, it's a serious thought the fact that we can't even support our own Tasmanians to stay in the state.” he said.

Counselling, help and advice are available from Lifeline at 131114, or by calling Oz Help on1300 694 357