Marvin OnumonuPlaces for London, Transport for London’s property company, has marked training more than 10,000 people through its Construction Skills Programme since 2019.
The scheme, run in partnership with the Skills Centre and supported by developer partners, aims to help Londoners into jobs across the city.
The programme is delivered at five academies, including sites at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Earls Court, Edgware, Bollo Lane and the new Green Plant Academy.
Training includes national vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, trade-based skills and specialist courses.
Learners can also work towards their construction skills certifications scheme card, required for work on UK construction sites.
Since starting, the programme has helped people move into roles such as drylining, formwork and steelfixing.
Many of those trained have gone on to work on housing developments and other major projects across the capital.
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, said: “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.
“Many of those we’ve trained come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in construction.”
Howlin added: “By opening the door to practical, life-changing careers, we’re not just helping people into work — we’re building a more inclusive, skilled and sustainable workforce for London.
“From pre-employment bootcamps to in-work NVQs and apprenticeships, we’re giving people the tools they need to thrive in a fast-evolving industry — one that urgently needs fresh talent to help deliver the homes and infrastructure we need.
“The success of this collaborative model has also enabled the Skills Centre to expand into areas like Essex and the West Midlands, where we’re now transforming even more lives across the UK.”
Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth Howard Dawber said: “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.
“With the majority of learners coming from underrepresented backgrounds, this programme supports our mission to tackle inequality across key sectors and harness London’s diverse pool of talent as we work to build a better, fairer, more prosperous city for everyone.”
