YOUNG residents are learning a trade for life at the same time as helping improve their community’s housing.
Three apprentices, who all live on the Rayners Lane estate in South Harrow, have been selected as part of a recruitment programme run by landlord Home Group, contractors Inspace and Harrow Council.
They will be working with skilled construction staff from Inspace to assist in the building of 143 new houses and flats as part of the £100m regeneration of the estate.
As part of the two year programme, the trio will train four days a week on-site, spending the fifth day at the College of North West London studying for an NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying and plastering.
Apprentice Michael Bennet said: "I have lived at Austin Road, Rayners Lane, for 20 years, all my life.
"My family have been allocated a great place in the next building phase with more bedrooms and a garden, so I will actually be helping to build my own new home.
"The whole estate is looking really good now and I am delighted to be part of the regeneration process.
"This is a great opportunity and I am so pleased to have been chosen.
"Hopefully once I’m qualified I’ll be set up for life, I might even start my own business."
Jim Shutt, Home’s regeneration manager for Rayners Lane, said: "We were delighted with the response to our recruitment programme and we hope to take on more trainees as the next phase progresses.
"I am pleased that Home is not only successfully providing affordable high quality housing, but also opportunities, like the apprentice scheme, for our residents to realise their potential in a variety of ways.
"I wish the three apprentices the very best of luck."
