Camberwell Fields scheme helps local residents to build their skills

A regeneration scheme in the heart of Camberwell has not only created 279 new homes, but has also  kick-started careers within the local community. The Camberwell Fields scheme for Notting Hill Housing has recently been described by the Construction Training Initiative (CTI) as ‘resounding success’, having exceeded the targets set at the outset of the project.

Ardmore has worked closely with the CTI to support 40 local residents into sustainable employment, as well as offering 18 trainees long-term work placements, with an impressive 15 local people completing apprenticeship courses.

Jim Durcan, project officer at CTI, commended Ardmore on “an excellent project with outstanding results. This is in no small part due to the support of the Ardmore team.”

As well as the successful partnership with CTI, Ardmore has worked closely with the Woman into Construction initiative to offer two women work experience placements, including local resident Ellen Gaise who was taken on as a project management trainee.

For Ellen, who graduated with a degree in Building Engineering in 2009, the placement allowed her to gain valuable practical experience following three years out of work. Ellen used her placement to excellent effect, impressing the Ardmore team with her enthusiastic approach and she has subsequently been employed by Ardmore as an assistant construction manager.

Chris Langdon, development director at Ardmore said: “we are delighted at the success of our initiatives at Camberwell Fields. This partnership with CTI has allowed residents to support theoretical knowledge with practical skills and experience, developing relationships and prospects within the local community. All of our trainees work towards accredited qualifications and I am pleased to see so many of the participants finding permanent full-time employment with Ardmore, our supply chain and the wider construction industry.”

Ardmore works closely with CTI in a number of boroughs to offer local residents accredited training opportunities.

Notes

Set up in 1995, CTI supports trainees through college to achieve fully accredited trade qualifications, construction management traineeships and practical work experience to support students in the construction industry. Over the past 20 years, more than 1,000 people have benefited from the Construction Training Initiative.