Ed Balls launches CONSTRUCTION Skills Centre FOR TEENAGERS
Ed Balls unveiled a solution to rising numbers of NEETS (Those not in education, employment or training) this week (Wednesday 16 July). The Hub Construction Skills Centre in East London gives local teenagers the chance to try out a range of trades before signing up to an apprenticeship or college course.
Developed by national children’s charity Barnardo’s and London Borough of Tower Hamlets the Hub offers short courses in plumbing, carpentry, decorating and electrical installation.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Martin Narey said:
“We know that education can transform people's lives. The Hub is already working with 30 children and young people and will soon support 40 more who might otherwise be 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 children’s centres, GPs surgeries and the other services that 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. “Barnardo’s now has 16 such centres – all helping to engage young people who have dropped out – or are at risk of dropping out – of education or training get the qualifications they need to succeed – I hope you’ll be offering Diplomas here too in the future!” Director of Tower Hamlets 14-17 Partnerships: The Hub, Wendy Forrest, said: “We are delighted to work with Barnardo's to create opportunities for young people here. We're surrounded by development in this community but without skills there are very limited options for young people to start their careers. We now have 30 young people being trained and 40 more in September, and hopefully this will help them get into the construction industry.”
One of the students demonstrating their work at the event was trainee Joshua Rowes, 17.
Commenting on The Hub he said:
“I always wanted to do a trade, so when I heard about the course, I was very enthusiastic about coming to The Hub. It seemed like a great opportunity. I’m currently learning the ins and outs of plumbing and loving it. Next, I’m hoping to learn painting and decorating and I can’t wait. This place is just what I was looking for.” BBC Broadcaster Kate Adie who supported Barnardo’s in launching The Hub, said in her speech last night:
“This is the most terrifically practical venture. It’s a hands-on experience for the students which has been put together in a relatively short time and has a lot of impetus. While talking to the lads here they have shown to me that they are extremely interested and enthusiastic in what they are learning and that’s what this place is all about.”