Published: Monday 9 February 2026
Local residents are carving out careers in construction and helping to build new social homes in their own community through apprenticeships at Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Barlby new homes site.
Seven apprentices who live near to the North Kensington site have gained experience in trades including carpentry, bricklaying, drylining and electrical installation during construction of the 83 new homes, which will include 38 properties for social rent and 10 for key workers.
The roles were arranged through the Council’s development contractor Hill Partnership Ltd to boost employment and skills in Kensington and Chelsea. An additional 12 local people have been employed to work at Barlby during the construction process.
Olivia has been developing her skills as a carpenter, including helping to hang doors and fit skirting around the new homes. She said:
It’s challenging but exciting as well. I just want to progress and get better at my trade, and eventually teach someone else how to do it.
An apprenticeship is a good way to get a steady career. I've been trying to get an apprenticeship for a while, and I'm very lucky and grateful that I've got this one.
Drylining apprentice Marcel enjoys the physical nature of his work, which involves measuring, cutting and fixing boards. He also appreciates building new homes in the heart of his community:
This is something that I thought would be a good career path because I like being physical and I like the process of fixing things.
I live literally right around the corner, and I'm involved in building something where I've been living my whole life. It’s quite a big thing, and it’s a proud thing as well.
Apprentice bricklayer Jacques added:
I've learned quite a lot, because the guys here are good and they informed me of a lot of stuff.
I think an apprenticeship is a positive thing. It’s good to be hands on, on site, getting experience, and then in college as well.
Alfie, who is an apprentice electrician, said:
I’ve always been interested in becoming an electrician. I do four days a week on site and one day at college, and I’m learning to do a lot of new things.
I like that I’m helping to build the community and providing it with more houses and growth.
Cllr Kim Taylor Smith, lead member for employment, culture and economy, said:
It’s fantastic to see these apprentices building valuable careers while helping to deliver much-needed new homes right in the heart of their community.
Not only is our new homes programme providing new Council-owned homes for the first time in a generation, but it is also creating a legacy of skills and opportunities that I hope will benefit residents and the borough for years to come.
In addition to the new homes, the Barlby Road development includes a multi-use sports hall which for use by pupils of nearby Barlby Primary School as well as the local community.
The project is expected to be completed later this year, with the first residents moving in by the end of 2026.
Find out more about the new homes at Barlby Road at https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/new-homes-safer-homes/barlby-road