Construction firm Lovell which has ambitions of drawing 30 percent of its workforce from North East London have shown students with learning disabilities round its Ponders End building site.

Lovell wishes to work with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North London - from where the students came - to offer training opportunities.

Such a partnership comes a month after the government announced its intention to get one million more disabled people in work over the next decade.

Sophia Bruce, Lovell regional training advisor, said: “We want to be a part of the local community and inspire the next generation to get involved and take up careers in construction, and if we can support in any training or apprenticeship we will.

“Inclusivity is something we value as a company, and wherever possible we will accommodate people disabilities into Lovell.

“One of our apprentices is deaf and working on a site in Woolwich.

“He is getting on well, and his co-workers are now learning to sign.”

Cliff Cowley, senior site manager, who led the students round the Ponders End site, which will have 167 homes, retail and commercial units once completed.

Thea Charles, supported learning Job Coach at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, said: “Our supported learning students study some construction skills and this visit was a great way for them to get exposure to this industry, which may inspire them to consider this as a potential career.

“We’ve also started to build a relationship with Lovell that could lead to apprenticeships and placements for supported learning and other learners at the College.”

According to government figures 600,000 people with disabilities have found employment since 2013.