South Kilburn: Minister visit recognises L&Q’s work to tackle unemployment

On March 14th, Employment Minister Chris Grayling MP visited the South Kilburn Estate in Brent to recognise the work that L&Q and Denne are undertaking in supporting local people into work.

The Minister visited the Denne Skills Centre, an employment incentive between L&Q and construction company Denne. The Centre aims to provide unemployed local people valuable skills training and employment experience in the construction industry.

During his visit, the Minister met with Andy Rowland, Projects Director with L&Q, and Jehan Weerasinghe, Head of Community Investment with L&Q. They discussed the success of the Denne / L&Q Work Club, which has helped local people find work experience and apprenticeship employment in the construction industry. The Minister also met with Denne’s Nicholas Fowler and Projects Skills Coordinator Angela Asforis to hear about the Denne employment and skills programme.

The visit concluded with the Minister meeting a number of City of Westminster College BTEC construction students who regularly attend the skills centre for construction workshops.

L&Q is currently developing two sites on the South Kilburn Estate. The scheme will provide new build homes for new and existing residents, as well adding a number of new outright sale properties.

Jehan Weerasinghe said of the Minister’s visit, “Securing training and employment opportunities for residents is a key priority for us. The Denne Skills centre is an excellent example of how by working with our partner organisations we can create real opportunities for our residents.”