Contractor starts recruitment drive in riot-hit areas

Lakehouse is launching a recruitment drive across riot-hit areas of London to offer opportunities to deprived local youths.

The contractor – which has a track record for offering employment to excluded groups – said it was committed to offering work experience and apprenticeship placements to young people in some of the worst affected areas.

Lakehouse also called on other firms across the industry to join its campaign and offer training and apprenticeships to young people in the riot-hit areas.

The contractor, in partnership with its training provider Building Lives, is making placements available in Hackney, Woolwich and Camden.

It has already pledged 20 local work experience placements and 50 apprenticeships in Hackney.

Steve Rawlings, Lakehouse chief executive, said: “The construction industry can use its expertise to help reconstruct these communities; but it also has a responsibility to help alleviate the issues of deprivation and unemployment that contribute to the problem.

“The industry is uniquely placed to provide jobs and training opportunities for all in society.”

Last year Lakehouse established its own social enterprise - the Building Lives Training Academy - which provides jobs in construction for excluded groups, including ex-offenders and the homeless.

The contractor won the Diversity Champion of the year award at this year’s Building Awards.