Building brighter futures for young people in East London with The Prince’s Trust

A major redevelopment project that will provide nearly 200 new homes for Londoners has provided first step for young people looking to start a career in construction.

The Prince’s Trust teamed up with Rydon to deliver the group, aged 18-25, a Get Into Construction programme over two weeks at the redevelopment of the former Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Hackney Road.

Supervised throughout by The Prince’s Trust and Rydon, and with support from supply chain partners Stanmore and British Gypsum, the programme provided the local candidates first-hand experience of what it is like to work on a live construction site whilst learning trade skills, particularly dry lining, carpentry, tiling and painting.

Mark Mitchener, Managing Director of Rydon Construction, said:

“Young people are the future of our industry, yet often need support in securing a first step onto what can be a very exciting and rewarding career path. Our long-established work with The Prince’s Trust provides exactly this opportunity and it is fantastic to see how this group of young people have developed over the programme, working closely with our supply chain on a project bringing much needed homes for Londoners. We wish them the best in their future careers.”

Alongside the opportunity to secure a CSCS card, enabling them to work on a construction site, participants also spent time working on their CVs and interview technique to give them the confidence they need as they kick start their careers in the industry.

The young people were recognised for their achievements with a certificate from The Prince’s Trust at a final presentation event held at the site and will receive a further six months support from The Trust to assist them in moving into sustainable employment or further training.

Ben Marson, Director of Corporate Partnerships for The Prince’s Trust, added:

“The Prince’s Trust is proud to have Rydon as a long standing partner. Through this programme we have helped disadvantaged young people in East London to turn their lives around by equipping them with the skills, experience and qualifications needed for a career in the Built Environment Sector”.

After remaining unused for nearly 20 years, the redevelopment of the former Queen Elizabeth Hospital will deliver 188 new homes. 42% will be affordable by habitable room, for rent or purchase through shared ownership, and the remainder has been made available for private sale.

Rydon is delivering the project together with Family Mosaic, having successfully secured approval for the redevelopment of the site from the Greater London Authority.

Work on this major redevelopment will be completed by 2017, including the retention and refurbishment of the original historic façade on Hackney Road as a permanent reminder of the site’s history.

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