London construction group launches new training academy to support local economic recovery

Construction group Ardmore is developing its own skilled workforce and supporting London’s economic recovery, by honing the next generation of talent at a new training academy.

Launched by specialists in off-site manufacturing Paddington, part of the Ardmore Group, and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), the London Welding Academy will train apprentices at a purpose-built workshop at the college’s Enfield Centre.

A total of 20 apprentices began their training at the academy in January, enabling Paddington, whose plant is based nearby in Brimsdown, to fill a local skills gap, employ local people and help the manufacturing specialists in completing a growing order book.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have exacerbated a national skills shortage in the construction sector. The number of welders in the UK has fallen by a quarter in five years and half are expected to retire by 2027 creating 36,000 new jobs to ease the housing crisis.

Cormac Byrne, managing director of Ardmore, said: “We’re used to doing things differently at Ardmore. Not many construction companies can boast their own supply chain and create something as important to the local and national economy at such pace.

“We’re training local people and putting them on some of London’s most important projects. The experience and skills they will get from being part of the welding academy will set them up for fulfilling careers.

Barry Connelly, strategic adviser for engineering development at CONEL, added: “Every industry from shipbuilding, aerospace, oil and gas to automotive, construction, boiler making, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and engineering use welders.

“Welding is no longer the dirty low paid job many people imagine. New technologies make it clean, safe and more importantly a very well-paid industry. Over the past five years the number of welders in the UK has shrunk by approximately 25 per cent, with more than 100 vacancies being advertised on Indeed each month.

“That’s why we’re very excited to launch the London Welding Academy with Ardmore, which will provide skilled workers to meet the demands of the industry and support the UK’s economic recovery.”

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