Councils across London have come together with seven boroughs and the City of London to help unemployed people start a career in the construction sector
A new programme has been launched in London to help people who have been unemployed for a significant period of time into a career.
The scheme, which is being launched by seven boroughs, the City of London and London Councils, will see £1.85m made available over the next two years.
The Borough ESF Employment Construction Careers programme will help people in London to improve their skills so they can pursue a career in construction.
Funding for the scheme came from the European Social Fund programme for 2016-18 and was matched by funding from Central London Forward. It will be aimed at long term employed residents living in Camden, Islington, Lambeth, Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Wandsworth, Westminster and the City of London. Careers can be forged in all areas of the construction sector, ranging from site management to security and administration.
A spokesperson for London Councils said: “This programme will make a real difference to the employment opportunities, prospects and job sustainment of Londoners in greatest need of support to get back into the jobs market.
“Across the UK the number of jobs in the construction industry has reached 2.1 million, nearly 100,000 more than two years ago and at levels not seen before summer 2010.
“London is at the centre of this upturn and construction activity across central London represents one of the largest areas of economic regeneration activity in Europe, offering some great opportunities for disadvantaged Londoners to forge a new career.”
London Councils will run the scheme on a daily basis and are currently accepting applications from companies to run the programme. For more information visit: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk
