23rd February 2023
Regal London, with partners Building Heroes and training delivery partner Capital City College Group (CCCG), celebrated the opening of the second Regal London Real Estate Academy in Wembley on Friday, February 10th following the success of the first programme.
Held at Fulton & Fifth, Regal London’s newest development site, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, was delighted to present the first cohort of learners with their Graduation Certificates following completion of the five-week Building Heroes programme.
The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), part of CCCG, is providing onsite training for the programme. Learners study for a Construction Skills Level 1 Diploma and a Health and Safety Level 1 Award along with training to gain a CSCS card to enable them to work on building sites.
The Regal London Real Estate Academies in Wembley and at The Clarendon in Watford, provide a supportive environment for learners to experience the construction industry first hand, ultimately providing invaluable professional and personal skills.
Since opening, the Watford Academy has reskilled five cohorts and celebrated their successful graduations. Simon Hewitt joined the September 2022 cohort, a veteran who served six years within Rifles and twelve years as a Reservist.
He commented: “Despite retiring from full-time employment a few years ago, I found myself feeling quite isolated and decided I would like to access a new industry. The Building Heroes Academy in Watford presented a perfect fit and enabled me to gain new skills and access the vast employment opportunities linked to the programme. Following the graduation event, Regal London offered me the chance to work within their team as a logistics manager, overseeing several responsibilities of some of the sub-contractors. In addition, Regal are supporting me with further training courses including fire marshal, site supervision and health and safety.”
The Regal London Real Estate Academies host cohorts of 10 learners, both from military backgrounds and other underrepresented groups.
Jonathan Seal, CEO, Regal London, “Our work creating the Regal London Real Estate Academies with Building Heroes is really important to us, and we’re deeply committed to continuing to support the incredible work it does with those from the armed forces and wider groups of local people. To be able to share our skills and knowledge is a great privilege, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in Wembley and Watford, supporting new entrants into our exciting industry.”
Karen Jefford, Building Heroes CEO said: ‘In celebrating this opening event with our partners, we couldn’t be prouder of how this new training academy will benefit and support the career transitions for learners from our military community and other local underrepresented groups.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of LB Brent, comments: “The partnership between Regal London and Building heroes for the Wembley Real Estate Academy, is a testament to the power of communities coming together to share skills and knowledge. The education the learners have received has been invaluable and having met the learners on site at Regals’ Fulton and Fifth, it was clear what a positive difference their new qualifications and skills will make to their employment prospects. I’m looking forward to hearing how the learners progress thanks to their training and watching Fulton and Fifth flourish into a desirable location for new homes and green space.”
Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning said:
“Seeing behind the scenes on a regeneration project is always exciting, and I’m delighted that this opportunity is now open to local people through the Regal London Real Estate Academies in partnership with Building Heroes. Regal London are providing the training and employment opportunities that we need, whilst delivering significant numbers of new homes in Wembley – helping to further understanding around the wider benefits of development.”
