A major Transport for London (TfL) training scheme has now helped more than 10,000 people gain skills and start careers in construction – many through apprenticeships.
The programme, run by Places for London (TfL’s property company), works with local councils, colleges, and developers to help Londoners learn valuable skills for building and infrastructure jobs. It focuses on supporting people who are unemployed, underrepresented in construction, or looking for a career change.
Since launching in 2016, the programme has supported young people into apprenticeships, work placements, and entry-level construction jobs. Training has included key construction skills like bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, and health and safety, with many learners going on to work on real TfL development sites across London.
Many of the programme’s learners start as apprentices, learning on the job while earning a wage and gaining a qualification. This hands-on training helps them build a long-term career in a growing industry.
Places for London says apprenticeships are a vital part of making the construction industry more inclusive and diverse. Around 30% of people supported through the programme are from ethnic minority backgrounds, and over 15% are women – figures that are much higher than average for the construction sector.
Laura Miller, Senior Construction Skills Manager at Places for London, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this amazing milestone. Training ten thousand people is a huge achievement and together we have introduced people to a vast range of new skills and careers, allowing them to leave their mark on the city. As the industry continues to address the skills shortage, we’re helping to provide a new, diverse generation of skilled workers to the built environment sector, who are building the homes London needs.
Jon Howlin, CEO at The Skills Centre, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have supported more than 10,000 learners through our partnership with Places for London and our network of construction skills academies across the capital. This partnership shows what’s possible when training is brought to where it’s needed most — directly into communities, close to major developments, and aligned with real job opportunities. Many of those we’ve trained come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in construction. By opening the door to practical, life-changing careers, we’re not just helping people into work — we’re building a more inclusive, skilled and sustainable workforce for London.
“From pre-employment bootcamps to in-work NVQs and apprenticeships, we’re giving people the tools they need to thrive in a fast-evolving industry — one that urgently needs fresh talent to help deliver the homes and infrastructure we need.
“The success of this collaborative model has also enabled The Skills Centre to expand into areas like Essex and the West Midlands, where we’re now transforming even more lives across the UK.”
Rainbow Moonah, former trainee and Construction Technician at the Build East Skills Centre, said: “I encourage anyone who’s thinking about going for a role in construction to do it – it’s a vast industry and the training can help you get your foot in the door. I really enjoyed doing this course which has opened up my career to new possibilities and I’m looking forward to doing more!”
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, said: “I’m delighted that this pioneering programme has supported 10,000 Londoners to gain new skills and training in construction, with thousands of Londoners securing jobs and careers that will not only help London to grow but deliver more of the homes that we urgently need.
“With the majority of learners coming from underrepresented backgrounds, this programme supports our mission to tackle inequality across key sectors and harness London’s diverse pool of talent as we work to build a better, fairer, more prosperous city for everyone.”
