The Hub Construction Skills Centre, based in a converted synagogue in East London, has been established to give local teenagers the chance to experience a range of trades before signing up to an apprenticeship or college course. Developed by the national children’s charity Barnardo’s and London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Hub offers short courses in plumbing, carpentry, decorating and electrical installation. Students can choose from a range of City and Guilds-accredited qualifications as well as the Construction skills Certificate Scheme.
In addition to hands-on courses, students can also gain a range of numeracy, communications and language skills. As well as providing a springboard into work-based-learning for 16-18 year olds, the Hub’s courses will offer an alternative education route for 14-16 year olds who are not achieving their full potential in mainstream schooling.
Barnardos’ chief executive Martin Narey said: “We know that education can transform peoples lives. The Hub is already working with 30 students and will soon support 40 more who might otherwise have been excluded from school.
“These young people who might fail academically are succeeding in gaining real qualifications which are opening up the world of work to them.”
Commenting on the Hub, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said: “I talk a lot about the co-location of schools with centres, GPs surgeries and other services families use – the Hub is another fantastic example of passionate and visionary people, like those from Barnardo’s, coming up with great solutions that work for young people – congratulations.”
Students can be referred to the Hub by their school or youth service such as Connexions and will begin to accept students’ aged 14-16 from September.
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