I was delighted to meet young people learning new skills at Barnado’s Bulding Hope Academy in Catford.

The scheme teaches young people leaving care the skill of dry lining, helping them make a better transition into adulthood and boost London’s construction industry.

The Academy provides a 16-week traineeship programme for care leavers aged 16-25, offering functional skills in maths and English, work placements, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training and intensive support alongside a City & Guilds Level 2 Award in dry lining.

They also offer additional support with life skills like balancing money and relationships.

Not only is this project  helping care leavers transition into adulthood, which is often a difficult and emotionally challenging process, but the skills being developed by these young people will help them find employment and benefit the construction industry.

You can find out more about the important work done by the Building Hope Academy here.