National Apprenticeship Week was marked with the opening of a new training centre in Morden last week.

Merton Priory Homes officially opened the Merton Training and Employment Centre (MTEC) on March 15 designed to help people in south west London win construction jobs.

The centre, which already has 50 trainees enrolled, provides free training and jobs service to those looking to get into the construction industry.

Matthew Marrow, from Morden, is one of 34 students who have gained a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification in construction trade skills as result of training at the MTEC.

He said: "I used to be a professional chef but have always wanted to work in construction.

"I was just looking for the right opportunity to begin building up my skills and training.

"MTEC is a brilliant start for people that are unemployed and interested in the construction game.

"We’re working together to learn so many different skills and the course leaders have been fantastic.

"I’m really optimistic about the job prospects that will lead on from this course."

Skills taught include carpentry, dry lining, painting and decorating and plastering leading toward a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification in construction trade skills and a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card qualifying students to work on building sites.

For more information call Merton Priory Homes on 0300 500 3000 or mtec@circle.org.uk