Apprentices will build council homes and improve schools at Gospel Oak construction academy

Apprentices are to help to build new council homes and improve schools in Camden at a construction skills academy.

Disused garages at the Ludham Estate, off Mansfield Road, Gospel Oak, have been transformed into the Building Lives Training Academy, a centre where 50 apprentices will study for an industry-recognised qualification in construction skills.

Students will receive free training alongside work placements on Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme - a 15-year project to build new social housing, improve the borough’s schools and upgrade community services.

Steve Rawlings, chairman of Building Lives, the organisation which runs the training academy, joined Camden Council leader Cllr Sarah Hayward to officially launch the centre two weeks ago.

Cllr Hayward, said: “Camden Council is delighted to support this project.

“Together with Building Lives we’re helping to tackle unemployment and get local people into careers building new homes and improving schools for Camden residents.”

The Building Lives institute is the second to be opened in Camden, following the launch of homeless hostel and training academy Arlington House, in Arlington Road, Camden Town, in June 2010.

For more information, visit buildinglives.uk.com/home.