If you’re thinking about a career in construction but aren’t sure where to start, then we would encourage you to get in touch with the Southwark Construction Skills Centre to explore training opportunities and careers advice. Here you can also apply for your Construction Skills Certification Scheme card which enables you to go on site.

If you’re aged 16-25 and are interested in a career in construction, or know someone who might be, please contact Wendy Heller (Wendy.Heller@constructionyouth.org.uk) or visit the Construction Youth Trust (CYT) website and sign up to their newsletter to receive information about their upcoming training courses and programmes in Bermondsey.

Free pre-employment training with Southwark Construction Skills Centre to prepare you for upcoming construction jobs in Canada Water

The Southwark Construction Skills Centre, now in Canada Water on the former Hawker House site, is offering FREE pre-employment training courses for Southwark residents to prepare candidates to apply for construction roles as part of the Canada Water development. The two week programmes will give you basic construction skills and experience to help you get on site including a CSCSC card and Level 1 Health and Safety.

For more information and how to book your place please click here. Alternatively, please call 020 3621 1940, email info@theskillscentre.co.uk, or drop by the site on Surrey Quays Rd between 8:30-17:30 Monday to Friday.

Benefits and Welfare Support Clinics

For those who may need welfare and benefits support whilst seeking new job opportunities, local charity, Big Local Works, runs a weekly one-to-one benefits and welfare support clinic in Canada Water. The clinic is run from Thrive’ and complements its existing business support and advice services.

Appointments will focus on helping clients receive the right benefits and improving financial security. Advisors can also help clients to identify alternative options such as employment and training programmes, many of which are run from The Blue (click here for more information on employment training programmes that Big Local Works runs).

Specifically, Big Local Works advisors can assist with:

• Form filling for benefits/universal credit applications – including helping you to build the understanding, confidence and abilities to manage this yourself moving forward
• Benefit checks (making sure people are in receipt of the right amounts)
• Accompanying you at assessment centres and when decisions are wrong filling in appeal forms
• Attending appeal hearings, something which Big Local Works specialises in
• Helping to identify support and training opportunities to support clients into employment

The weekly clinics take place every Wednesday from 10am-4pm at Thrive, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, SE16 7LW. To book an appointment, email lea-anne@biglocalworks.org.uk or phone 07526 84770. For more information, you can also visit their website here.