Merton Priory Homes wins Merton Partnership Reward bid

Published by Maike Riedel for Circle in Communities and also in Education

Merton Priory Homes (MPH) has been selected to receive funding of £180,000 from the Merton Partnership Reward scheme to develop a Construction Training Centre which will provide apprenticeship opportunities for unemployed people in Merton.

Not-for-profit MPH is one of seven local organisations to have secured funding from the central government's £1.7 million Performance Reward Grant to make significant improvements to the lives of local people.

The funding will be used to develop a Construction Training Centre in Merton. Local residents have the opportunity to learn entry level construction and trade skills, which MPH will deliver in partnership with its contractors. The Construction Training Centre will also offer a number of paid apprenticeships to participants in the programme and help people find work in the construction industry.

Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Martin Whelton said: “This is wonderful news. The money will create training opportunities for local people and play a role in improving employment prospects in Merton. The paid apprenticeships and qualifications will be invaluable to people’s long-term future and employability.”

Pauline Ford, managing director of MPH, part of Circle, said: “We are delighted that our bid was successful. This is a very exciting project which will generate much needed employment opportunities for local people.”