Sutton success - Building Lives graduates

Social enterprise Building Lives recently joined forces with its partners in Sutton to host a graduation ceremony for the NVQ Level 2 full framework apprentices based in the area, three of which have been working for Rydon with the Sutton Housing Partnership contract.

The event celebrated the hard work put in by not only the apprentices, but also Sutton Housing Partnership, Sutton Council and Carshalton College who all played a part in aiding the apprentices in the completion of their course.

Rydon’s three apprentices: Tom Lawler, Jack Upcraft and Henry Haines, are now all staying with Rydon to undertake their NVQ Level 3 placement and studies for a further year.

The event kicked off with lunch followed by speeches from a few of the influential people who attended on the day, including Andrew Taylor – Chief Executive of Sutton Housing Partnership, the Mayor of Sutton - Councillor Sean Brennan OBE, Sian Workman - Development Director from Building Lives and David Ivison - Head of Construction from Carshalton College.

The Mayor of Sutton presented the students with certificates in the company of close friends and family. 15 apprentices graduated on the day and were the first to complete the 18 month programme from the Sutton academy. 13 of these apprentices have gone to secure themselves full time jobs - increasing Building Lives’ sustained employment rate from 78% to 87%.

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive of Sutton Housing Partnership, led with the speeches: “Congratulations to all the trainees who have worked really hard to achieve their qualification. The graduation event marks a significant milestone for the Sutton apprentices and the successful partnership working with the Building Lives Academy. SHP is committed to ensuring our residents and the wider community can access these fantastic opportunities. This year there already have 28 new apprentices currently being trained in the construction industry and this number will increase to 50 apprenticeship places when the new training academy in Rosehill opens.”

Sian Workman, Building Lives, added: “We feel exceptionally proud of what's been achieved here and thanks to Sutton Housing Partnership and Sutton Council we can now extend our offer to more local people at the new Sutton academy scheduled to open later this year.”

latest News

SEE ALL NEWS