A skills academy based in Edgware has played a key role in a programme that has now trained more than 10,000 people for careers in construction across London.
Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, runs its Construction Skills Programme in partnership with The Skills Centre. The network of academies includes training hubs in Edgware, Earl’s Court, Bollo Lane, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the new Green Plant Academy.
Since launching in 2019, the scheme has supported over 4,200 people into new careers, with many learners coming from backgrounds underrepresented in the construction industry. Training has included apprenticeships, NVQs, and practical skills such as hoist operations, bricklaying and health and safety qualifications.
Former trainees have gone on to secure jobs with major developers. Michelle Gayle, who completed an all-women construction course followed by hoist training, is now working as a hoist operator for Barratt London. “She’s found a diverse workforce with women working at all levels and wants to encourage other women into the industry even if they’ve never considered the field before,” the programme said.
Rainbow Moonah, who trained in drylining at the Build East Skills Centre, is now working as a construction technician. She said: “I encourage anyone who’s thinking about going for a role in construction to do it – it’s a vast industry and the training can help you get your foot in the door. I really enjoyed doing this course which has opened up my career to new possibilities and I’m looking forward to doing more!”
Laura Miller, Senior Construction Skills Manager at Places for London, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this amazing milestone. Training ten thousand people is a huge achievement and together we have introduced people to a vast range of new skills and careers, allowing them to leave their mark on the city. As the industry continues to address the skills shortage, we’re helping to provide a new, diverse generation of skilled workers to the built environment sector, who are building the homes London needs.”
Jon Howlin, CEO at The Skills Centre, added: “We’re incredibly proud to have supported more than 10,000 learners through our partnership with Places for London and our network of construction skills academies across the capital. This partnership shows what’s possible when training is brought to where it’s needed most — directly into communities, close to major developments, and aligned with real job opportunities.”
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, also praised the scheme, saying: “I’m delighted that this pioneering programme has supported 10,000 Londoners to gain new skills and training in construction, with thousands of Londoners securing jobs and careers that will not only help London to grow but deliver more of the homes that we urgently need.”
The Edgware centre is expected to continue playing an important role as demand grows. According to the Construction Industry Training Board, London will need more than 200,000 extra construction workers by 2029, including thousands of plant operatives by 2027.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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