MP SAYS NEW LEARNING FACILITIES 'ABSOLUTELY RIGHT'

Tuesday 31st January 2006

Keith Hill, Member of Parliament for Streatham, has applauded the opening of new facilities in Brixton that train young people in painting and decorating, ready for jobs in the construction trade that are arising with regeneration and housing projects locally.

"It's absolutely right for this centre to be here, with the emerging opportunities. It's completely timely and I am impressed with TBG Learning who identified the big opportunities here on our doorstep with the Battersea Power Station and Clapham Park projects. The Entry to Employment programme has a proven track record and you couldn't have a better deliverer of e2e than TBG Learning, with its own track record in getting levels of attainment above local and national levels. I am delighted to open this centre", said Keith Hill MP, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minster Tony Blair.

Keith Hill MP visited TBG Learning in Brixton this week (30 January), where he officially opened the purpose designed painting and decorating facilities.

28 young people are learning the practical skills for painting and decorating in a specially built suite of rooms and with professional training from two experts in the trade. A further 28 will start the course in April.

"The young people are learning a trade. They are getting a recognised qualification that puts them in an excellent position to progress into a job or further training", says Abi Osho, Regional Manager, TBG Learning South London.

The painting and decorating course is one of a range of 'Entry to Employment' ('e2e') options on offer to 16-18 year-olds who have left school with few or no qualifications and are unemployed. The success rate is high, with 67% of the young people who completed e2e in 2005 progressing into further education, employment or employment with training such as an Apprenticeship programme.

For information about courses telephone 020 7274 4106 or call in at TBG Learning at 13-14 Ellerslie Square, Lyham Road, London SW2 5DZ.