One of the first Mayor of London’s Construction Academy Hubs is now up and running here in West London.
The supply of people seeking to enter construction as a career in West London has been given a significant boost with the launch of the West London Hub of the Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA).
The West London MCA is one of seven hubs awarded contracts by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and brings together over 30 employers, education & training providers, Local Authorities & third sector partners all working to a common goal.
The main aims of the West London MCA will be to:
- boost the number of skilled workers and opportunities in construction, particularly for women and people from black and ethnic minorities;
- provide more high-quality training and initiatives to give West Londoners the skills needed to enter and be successful in construction; and
- increase collaboration in the sector, particularly between employers and construction skills training providers.
Speaking at the launch of the Hub, Managing Director of West London College, David Warnes said: “As one of the key players in the Hub, West London College will play a major part in helping close the skills gap in the London construction industry. As one of the MCA Hubs, we will be able to work with a wide range of employers who will help us shape our training to better suit their workforce requirements. We will also be seeking to identify house-building employers offering job vacancies, work placements and on-site experience.”
David has put together a top team of local, innovative and high-profile partner organisations all sharing a common goal of helping West Londoners develop the skills they need to tackle London’s housing needs.
The West London Hub Co-ordinator is former London Director at the Federation of Master Builders Barry Mortimer who has recently taken up the role. “I have been amazed by the talent and energy of all those involved in the West London Hub,” said Barry. “Over the next few weeks I aim to speak to or meet with all the partners as we set out on our journey together.”
“I am really looking forward to seeing just how much the West London Hub can contribute to the supply of the much needed skilled construction workers to plug the skills gap and deliver the number of homes desperately needed in London.”
If you would like to know more about the work of the West London Hub or get involved contact Barry Mortimer by e-mail: b.mortimer@wlc.ac.uk
West London Hub Partners
| Private sector | Local authorities and public sector | Business groups/ intermediaries | Colleges and training providers |
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· Brent Council
· Ealing Council · Hammersmith & Fulham Council · Jobcentre Plus · Harrow Council · Hillingdon Council · Hounslow Council · Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
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· Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
· National Association of Women into Construction · The Careers & Enterprise Company · The Change Foundation / Street Elite · The Institute of Concrete Technology · Qualify Me · Volunteer It Yourself · West London Business · Women into Construction · Young Foundation
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· Action West London
· Build Training · Harrow College and Uxbridge College (HCUC) · Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy · West London College
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