A housing association is offering residents the chance to boost their career with a free construction training course.

Merton Priory Homes has joined forces with South Thames College to offer residents looking to build a career in the construction industry courses in plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating.

The course will lead towards a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card which qualifies participants to work on building sites, and a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification in construction trade skills.

Pauline Ford from Merton Priory Homes said: "Construction is thriving in Greater London and we want to give people in Morden the chance to pursue a career in the industry by helping them get the skills and qualifications they need.

"The Merton Training and Employment Centre has been especially equipped to offer vital training and support into employment, whether people are starting from scratch or developing pre-existing skills."

Courses will be held at Merton Training and Employments Centre on Lombard Road, South Wimbledon, which will also be running an employment service to match trainees with local job opportunities.

The centre will be hosting an open day on Wednesday, November 7.

For more information call 0300 500 3000 or email mtec@circle.org.uk.