Young people get the chance to kick-start their careers

More than 40 young people from across south east London are being given the chance to learn a variety of construction skills, completely refurbish an outdoor centre and earn a full-time apprenticeship placement.

The Kick Start Your Career project is being run by L&Q housing association in partnership with Lewisham Council, Lewisham College, The Apollo Group, Widehorizons outdoor education trust and the Worx Project youth organisation.

Young people were initially invited to two taster days where they got to try their hand at painting and decorating, plumbing, carpentry, pointing, groundwork, brickwork and plastering. These proved to be a real hit with 46 of the 49 people who attended signing up to the full project.

Over the next few months the recruits, all aged 16 - 25, will learn a full range of construction skills at Lewisham College before travelling to Wales and putting their new skills to the test as they refurbish Widehorizons Ty’n y Berth centre under the guidance of a professional construction team.

At the end of the programme, recruits who successfully complete the training will be given the opportunity to take up a full-time apprenticeship with The Apollo Group.

Bianca Callaghan from L&Q said: “L&Q decided to organise this project to offer some of our younger residents the chance to learn a variety of practical skills that will hopefully help them find employment in the construction industry.

“We have had tremendous support from our local partners and the youngsters are extremely enthusiastic about the road ahead, so we are really excited to see how this project develops.”

Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “During these difficult economic times I am delighted that we have been able to help and encourage young people to gain the essential skills that will help them find work.”

There are 27 recruits from Lewisham, 11 from Greenwich, 6 from Bexley and two from Bromley. 18 of the participants are from L&Q properties, with the rest referred from partner agencies.

Timetable:

• 19 – 30 July – a two week course at Lewisham College in Deptford on painting and decorating, carpentry, plastering, pointing and groundwork in preparation for the trip to Wales

• August – a site visit to an L&Q property and a range of team-building exercises

• 20 September – 8 October – working on the outdoor centre in Wales

For more information please contact Bianca Callaghan from L&Q on bcallaghan@lqgroup.org.uk or call 0844 406 9000 (ext 2876).