Waltham Forest College has been given membership to the Mayor’s Construction Academy for its highly skilled workers.

The Mayor’s Construction Academy has been set up to tackle the immediate skills shortage across the capital and will strengthen co-ordination construction training providers and employers.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “London is home to some of the most exciting and dynamic talent but there’s no denying we face a shortage in construction skills and that is hampering our ability to tackle London’s housing crisis.

“I’m committed to building the workforce of the future- and a key part of this is recognising the best skills providers from across the city and using them as exemplars from which other can learn.”

It will now be eligible to bid for funding to better coordinate skills training with employers’ needs, as well as engaging with local schools to promote construction careers.

The Academy will also ensure that College students can access construction-sector vacancies on the capital’s house-building sites.

Dr Joy Kettyle, Principal of the College, said: “Our students are making a real difference in London’s economy and we are proud to provide London with a skilled workforce that closes the skills gap in the construction sector.

“Being awarded the Quality Mark will ensure the College can grow its capacity and support London and the Construction Sector in many years to come.”