Free Construction Training Courses Launched in Acton
Programme aims to tackle rising youth unemployment
The courses help fulfil a legal requirement to be able to work on a building site
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June 17, 2026
A new fully funded construction training scheme has been launched in Acton to support young people struggling to enter the job market, as concerns grow over the rising number of 16–30-year-olds in West London who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Local charity Action West London has opened applications for its new free CSCS training programme, designed to remove one of the biggest barriers preventing young people from accessing work in the construction sector: the cost of obtaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. The card is a legal requirement on almost all commercial building sites in the UK, yet training and exam fees can be prohibitively expensive for those out of work.
Delivered from the charity’s office in Acton, the fast-track scheme offers:
- A fully funded Green Labourers CSCS course, with all exam fees covered
- Two days of intensive, face-to-face training, with the official test taken on day two
- One-to-one employment support, including CV building and interview preparation
- Direct links to employers across West London with active vacancies
The programme is open to 16–30-year-olds living in West or North-West London who are currently unemployed and not in formal education. No referral from a job centre or advisor is required, and applicants can self-refer online in minutes.
Gary Buckley, CEO of Action West London, said the initiative comes at a critical moment.
“Breaking into the job market right now is incredibly tough for young people, and the growing NEET crisis requires practical, immediate solutions. While many sectors are tightening their belts, the construction industry in London is expanding. By providing this vital safety qualification completely free of charge, we are removing the financial barriers that hold young people back and giving them a direct route into stable, rewarding careers.”
Action West London has worked for more than 20 years to support disadvantaged residents into employment, education and enterprise. The organisation partners with local authorities, employers and community groups to reduce poverty and improve long-term opportunities for people across the boroughs.
The new CSCS programme is part of the charity’s wider effort to address youth unemployment, which has risen sharply in several West London boroughs since the pandemic. Construction remains one of the few sectors with sustained demand for new workers, driven by major housing, transport and regeneration projects across the capital.
Young people aged 16–30 who live in West London and are currently out of work or education can register for the free training via the project page.
Applications are open now, with places allocated on a rolling basis.
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