Building Lives is to close down

Trustees of Building Lives have chosen to close down the construction training charity after failing to establish a sustainable revenue stream.

Building Lives was launched in 2010 by Lakehouse founder Steve Rawlings. The organisation aimed to inspire people from all backgrounds to make their way into a sustainable career in construction.

They delivered training and financial stability to tackle the UK’s construction crisis.

In a statement the organisation said: “This decision has not been taken lightly. Given the skills crisis in London, it is incredibly disappointing that we are unable to continue with our model, especially as it provides huge value for money for the tax payer.”

The staff of 16 have been served redundancy notices and operations will cease at the end of the month.

It cost on average £4000 to put a young person through a Building Lives traineeship. An average eight out of 10 people on its Careership training programmes have gone onto jobs or apprenticeships.

Building Lives managing director Sian Workman said: “In order to continue operating for another year, Building Lives needed £900,000 to deliver 380 Careerships across four training academies based in the heart of London council estates. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to how much money is spent for no guaranteed job outcomes. The bottom line is, although a Careership may not have fitted with existing government funding criteria, it led to real construction jobs, helping reduce unemployment and the skills shortage – ultimately, benefiting us all.”

“We hope the legacy and learning left behind will assist other organisations to support people into construction careers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners, stakeholders and friends for their support and commitment over the years. Together we have built many lives across London.”