UNEMPLOYED people from black and other ethnic minority groups are being offered free training in the construction industry.

Up to 40 jobless trainees from Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham are being offered the training at the industry's National Construction College in Manor Road, Erith.

The training is being paid for with funding from Jobcentre Plus's ethnic minority flexible fund, a charity which specialises in creating job and training opportunities for faith and ethnic groups.

The deal was brokered by Bexley Council's Areas of Opportunity programme.

All potential trainees must be aged over 18 and able to work.

The first course will begin on January 30 from 8am to 4.15pm.

There is a subsidised canteen on site, boots and hard hats will be provided and public transport costs will be reimbursed on receipt of a travel card.

At the end of the seven-day course and exam, trainees will get a Construction Industry Training Board certificate of attendance and a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, which is now mandatory for anyone working on a construction site.

A registration day for places on the course is being held tomorrow at Lewisham library, Lewisham High Street, from 10am to 4pm. Call Jo Mackey on 020 8981 2670 or 07961 404761 for details.