Member Article

New £1m Lloyds Skills Centre launched in Newham

Lloyds Bank, property group Lendlease and Newham Council are celebrating the launch of a new £1m joint initiative which is aimed at encouraging more young people to take up a career in construction.

The new Lloyds Bank Construction Skills Centre, located at the gateway of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford at International Quarter London, is delivered by Lendlease and Newham Council and funded by the £1m Lloyds Bank Construction Skills Fund which was announced last year.

Through Newham Council’s job brokerage service Workplace, the council plans to host a series of education, information and training activities, which will showcase construction career opportunities.

It is hoped the new skills centre will act as a hub for construction professionals and operates, enabling Workplace to provide even more bespoke training opportunities as well as fund training for residents who have shown an aptitude for construction work.

Commenting on the launch of the new centre, Councillor Terence Paul, mayoral adviser for skills and adult learning, said: “This incredible initiative will provide a unique centre which will equip young people with the skills necessary to work in a variety of different construction roles, both onsite and in managerial jobs.”

With an eye on the next generation of construction workers, the fund will also deliver a programme of educational activities aimed at inspriring young people to enter into a career in construction through apprenticeships and higher education and training pathways.

Terence added: “We want to help our young people build a career in the industry and support them when they want to upskill.

“This centre is also a great example of private and public partnership working which is what makes our Workplace scheme such a success. Workplace’s success is built on close and trusting partnerships with employers.

“Rapid economic development means the construction sector in Newham is booming and it is essential that we work closely with developers to ensure our residents can make the most of any job opportunities created.”

Ian Crockford, Project Director at International Quarter London believes the initiative is a testament to the continued impact of the Olympic legacy and the ‘lasting employment’ and ‘prosperity’ opportunities it has brought.

He said: “We’re thrilled to be working together with Lloyds Bank and Newham Council to deliver such an important initiative.

“Addressing the construction skills gap is a critical issue and giving local people access to career and training opportunities has never been more important for the construction industry.”