CONSTRUCTING PARNTERSHIPS IN STRATFORD
We’ve been working alongside the Building Crafts College across the IQL project to help with the training of the construction industry’s future leaders.
The Building Crafts College was set up by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters. Until 2001, it was based in Central London and then moved to the purpose-built facility in Stratford.
The college offers a range of courses to students across construction, stonemasonry, carpentry and conservation. It places a huge emphasis on employability for their graduates, so partners with multiple organisations to help its students find relevant opportunities upon graduation. Lendlease regularly liaises with the college on any relevant opportunities available at International Quarter London, fulfilling local labour targets for the further benefit of Stratford.
To help less experienced candidates interested in the construction industry, the college works with Newham Council to run a six-week access course. The course covers a range of skills across carpentry, painting, plumbing and general skills like health and safety.
Students from this course, and others offered by the college, regularly attend sessions with Lendlease. At these sessions, employees involved in the construction and development of IQL donate their time to speak to students about working in the industry. This helps to break down misconceptions about gender roles and all construction jobs being based in muddy sites. It also gives students the chance to ask real professionals any questions they have about their future careers.
For those who want to know more about the college, you can visit every Thursday between 1pm and 5pm, when doors are open to potential students. You’ll find them on Kennard Road, Stratford and more info on the Building Crafts College website.