Get into construction at Waltham Forest: Fellowship Square
As our regeneration projects to build more homes in Waltham Forest progress, there are more job and training opportunities to get into the construction industry, and there’s no better time to start than now.
The Waltham Forest Opportunities team works with our construction and development partners to make sure local construction jobs and training opportunities are prioritised for residents.
We hear from Leytonstone local David about his experience getting into the construction industry through our employment service and working with our development partner Countryside, at one of our flagship developments, Fellowship Square.
David says: “I work just behind Fellowship Square, I’m a labourer. I work around the whole site putting up signs, reconstructing fencing, and making sure everyone is safe.
“When I was off work through Covid-19, I went to the job centre in Chingford and they mentioned that there was a construction course in Hackney that I could do which I was interested in, so I took the six-week course and enjoyed it basically. My previous job was as a Goldsmith, I made rings, chains, bracelets, repairs, and other jewellery too. It’s definitely a career change for me.”
The job is the start of something more for David, he says: “I thoroughly enjoy my job now and it’s what I wanted to do. I’m looking at going into carpentry as well or maybe bricklaying or something else, that’s what I’d like to do. I’ve always been interested in the building trade as such, I’ve wanted to see how a building goes up and how it’s made so that eventually, I might be able to build my own house and know exactly what I need to do. I’m hoping that there’s more development so it brings up the area so even more people can enjoy it.”
Leaving the long commute behind was also a priority for David, who can now easily cycle into work in the fresh air, he says: “I’ve been travelling in and out of London for over 20 years and I didn’t really want to travel and take London transport all the time where it was a bit inconvenient for me, so I wanted somewhere much more local to me, now it only takes me 20 minutes to cycle into work.
“I like working in Fellowship Square and walking past the fountain, but I can’t enjoy it that much obviously because of work, but it’s nice to pass by and see the kids playing with all the families about which you don’t see all the time!”
David wants more people to get into construction too, he says: I would definitely encourage other people to apply for local construction jobs. I’ve been trying to get some of my family members to apply for a local job too as it’s much easier for them to get to rather than having a long commute. I think it’s nice for people to work in their own area, travelling is difficult for a lot of people nowadays so if half the people were to work in their own area, London transport would be much easier for people too.”
Residents interested in construction can upskill and find work on other developments in the borough with opportunities through our local partners, or express their interest by completing the online form and one of our advisors will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Training and work placement opportunities are available through our borough partners: The London Academy of Sustainable Construction (LASC) with courses such as the Gateway to a career in Scaffolding course, and at Waltham Forest College.