Battersea MP Jane Ellison was the guest of honour at a youth employment scheme last Thursday morning.
The Conservative politician visited the Astins Institute in Battersea Business Park to meet five young men on six month work placements.
The men, who are long-term unemployed, are being given on-the-job training by the specialist internal fit-out contractor.
They will have the opportunity to join Astins’ apprenticeship scheme at the end of the programme.
Michael Massiah, a manager at Astins, said: “Five weeks in and the programme is proving to be a success. The feedback I’ve had from site has been excellent - the guys are keen, dedicated and industrious.”
As part of the programme the participants are working on construction sites across London, as well as receiving skills training at Astins’ £1 million institute in Battersea.
The institute was opened in June 2009 and offers an open plan workshop, training area and a design and innovation space.
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