Construction Skills training that transforms lives
Our accredited Open College Network Level 1 Multi-Skilled Construction Programme gives people a safe, supportive, and inclusive space to learn, rebuild confidence, and take positive steps towards independence. We offer person centred, bespoke training that meets clients exactly where they are, helping them gain new skills, refresh old ones, and discover their potential.
Across our workshops in Camden and Hackney, clients learn hands on experience across a range of construction disciplines, including painting and decorating, installing wallpapers, tiling, woodworking and plumbing, while also completing health and safety training and accredited qualifications.
By combining practical skills, employability support and progression planning, the programme gives people the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to move forward towards stable employment, greater independence and a brighter future.
Training is practical, confidence building, and tailored to each person’s pace and ability.
Delivered over approximately 12 weeks, learners attend four days per week and receive personalised, one to one support from experienced tutors who adapt training to each individual’s needs, abilities and learning style.
Alongside construction training, every participant works with our dedicated Progression Coach for a one to one Employment, Training and Education Assessment. This helps identify the most appropriate next steps, whether that’s:
The programme is about far more than learning a trade. It helps participants rebuild confidence, self esteem, routine and independence in a safe and supportive environment.
Those aiming to enter employment are referred to a specialist in house Construction Employment Adviser who provides personalised support to help secure work in their chosen field, whether in construction or another industry.
The programme delivers proven outcomes, with 85% of participants reporting improved wellbeing, 22.6% moving into their own accommodation after completion and most gaining qualifications, practical skills, work readiness and increased confidence to move forward with their lives.
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"My job is really rewarding. Most of the people who come to us are at the lowest point in their lives, and their experiences have a huge impact on their ability to find work. Whatever their story, we often find that their confidence and self-esteem have broken down. It’s our job to rebuild them."
Hear from Steve Huggins, our Construction Skills Manager, about the programme, how it works and what it provides for the people we support.
Just like my first day in 2009, I still feel excited every time someone new walks through the door. Every person brings a unique story, new experiences, and the opportunity for a new journey to unfold. It’s a chance for us both to learn, grow, and inspire each other. Knowing that we have the opportunity to support someone as they take positive steps towards a brighter future is incredibly rewarding.
Most of the clients we work with are already settled in one of our services at St Mungo’s, or occasionally in our Assessment Centres waiting to be placed into accommodation. We have a small number of clients that are still living on the streets, and we’ll work with them to find them accommodation.
We have lots of move on pathways after the course, that’s what makes us different. Our in house Progression Coach identifies what the client wants to do, and together we work on getting them there. Move on pathways include further training, work experience, volunteering, accredited courses, apprenticeships, wellbeing classes and employment in any chosen field.
This is probably the biggest question, as clients gain so much more than just a qualification. They gain structure, routine, and a safe place to re-engage with education and explore their potential.
The majority of our learners report feeling more confident and independent, and seeing an improvement in their wellbeing. This shows that the programme is about far more than gaining qualifications. It helps people rebuild confidence, improve their wellbeing and create a strong foundation for long term success.
Having enough hours in the day to watch these transformations happen.
Yes, and not just jobs in construction. It’s client led and we want it to be sustainable, so for some that means going back to things they’ve done previously – and for others it’s the chance to explore new roles. People completing the programme have gone on to work in shops and offices, as baristas, in recycling facilities and at their local food bank. The list is endless!
The greatest job satisfaction for me comes from watching clients achieve things they never thought were possible. Many have been in situations where they felt their circumstances defined them and that they would never achieve anything in life. Seeing them gain qualifications, secure employment, get married, regain relationships with their children, become clean or sober, and improve their overall wellbeing is incredibly rewarding.
We have lots of amazing partners and supporters that give our clients work experience. The last two trainees that went on a work placement were employed on their third day of that placement – and we’re always open to finding more placements. We even have clients that have gained jobs at St Mungo’s.
There are lots of opportunities for clients to move on to further training, and we always aim to help them access courses at local colleges close to where they live. The education and employment landscape is constantly changing, creating new opportunities as well as new challenges.
Never. Every day we make an impact on our clients’ lives. One client summed it up perfectly when they said, “You gave me hope again.” Those words have stayed with me because they capture exactly why this work matters. We genuinely get the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them move forward, achieve their goals, and create a brighter future for themselves.
