Damon's Story

Damon, a 22-year-old from Enfield North, wanted to train as an electrician to help build the homes London desperately needs. Construction training providers in his area had unfilled places, and housing targets remained unmet across the capital. But HM Treasury's approach to infrastructure spending as a deficit risk, rather than as the mechanism that puts skilled tradespeople to work, meant training capacity went unused. The workers were available. The training places existed. The planning permissions were granted. What was missing was a central government willing to direct CITB levy funding where the housing need was greatest. This is Damon's story of how Westminster's political choices blocked his path into construction work. Disclosure: This podcast critiques government policy decisions affecting public services and training provision.