An academy designed to train people for jobs in the construction sector is set to be expanded.

The skills academy at the Meridian Water regeneration scheme in Edmonton will take on 600 trainees a year and support 30 apprenticeships – triple the numbers that were previously planned.

It is designed to ensure residents benefit from the jobs created by the regeneration scheme, which the council hopes will provide 10,000 homes.

The academy will offer employment, training, mentoring and engagement with local communities at an on-site hub with classrooms and practical working space.

Trainees will be able to learn a broad curriculum of skills related to the built environment, such as building design, construction and trades skills.

According to a council report, the academy will focus on creating pathways to sustainable and well-paid employment and to obtaining higher-level qualifications through apprenticeships and training courses.

It is hoped young people not in education, employment or training, the long-term unemployed, Enfield Council tenants, care leavers, ex-offenders and ex-military personal will be among those who benefit from training.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (September 16), council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “We are very clear that we want the academy to be a provision for those who are local, and that is a key aspect of why we want to have it.

“Having a skills academy next to one of the biggest construction sites in the capital will be a real opportunity for those in the local area – and particularly young people, who will be able to gain the skills they need to go on to employment.”

Work on the academy is due to start by the end of November.