LSST Learners Take Construction Training to the Live Site with Glencar
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 4 November 2026
What does it take to turn construction training into a career? For Painting and Decorating learners at LSST Wembley, the answer is beginning to take shape on a live construction site in Brent.
LSST Painting and Decorating students visited Glencar‘s Pure Data Centre project in Brent, gaining first-hand industry experience while exploring current employment and work placement opportunities.
The construction students visited Glencar’s Pure Data Centre project, where they were given an in-person look at a major construction development and the people involved in delivering it. The visit brought their training into a real industry setting, giving learners an outstanding opportunity to see construction in practice and understand what employers expect from those entering the sector.
Learners were also given an insight into construction site operations and the many responsibilities involved in working in a professional construction environment. The experience allowed learners to connect the practical skills developed through their LSST training with the realities of working on a live project.
The group met Anna McSherry from recruitment specialist Falcon Green, who discussed employment opportunities in Brent and the wider construction sector.
For LSST’s Construction Training Centre, these connections mark an important part of helping students move from training to employment, offering opportunities to develop professional relationships and career routes available to them.
Andrew Yaw Afari, a Painting and Decorating student, said: “I’m really appreciative of the opportunity. Honestly, it felt like a dream come true. From the moment we arrived, the way we were received made a great first impression. The presentation was excellent and the environment in general was really impressive.”
Fellow learner Stella Lartey added: “It was educational and really enjoyable. Seeing a live site up close helped me gain more experience and a better understanding of what the work involves.”
Ezekiel Afolabi, Employer Engagement Manager at LSST, who organised the event, said: “Employer engagement is about creating opportunities that make a real difference to our learners. Bringing students into a live construction environment allows them to see the industry first-hand, meet the people working in it and understand the opportunities available to them.”
Matt Garvey, Head of Further Education and Business Development at LSST, said: “Working alongside employers such as Glencar allows us to bring the industry directly into the learner experience. These relationships are essential to ensuring our training remains connected to the workplace and that our students can see a clear route from learning a trade to making a living from it.”
Denise Southard, Social Value Manager at Glencar, and her team introduced students to the company’s history and the Pure Data Centre project, outlining the work taking place on site and the importance of health and safety.
Through its Construction Training Centre in Wembley, LSST delivers practical Painting and Decorating qualifications alongside employability support and preparation for the CSCS Green Card. Its approach combines technical training with opportunities to engage with employers, explore self-employment and understand the demands of working in construction.
Apply to LSST’s construction courses via: www.lsst.ac/fe.
For further details or media enquiries, contact LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.