May 16, 2025

Tags

  • Sustainability
  • Blog

Our Canada Water Connect partnership with charity ELBA is linking businesses with great local talent and connecting Southwark residents to life-changing employment and training opportunities. This partnership shows that investing in social impact is not only the right thing to do but is also supporting our customers in winning the war for talent.

Over 130 formerly unemployed Southwark residents have successfully moved into work on the Canada Water development to date. We asked some of those involved to share their thoughts and experiences. This number is constantly growing as Canada Water evolves.

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

JOBS 130+

Over 130 local people supported into jobs, working here for six months or more – paid London Living Wages or higher.

APPRENTICESHIPS 80+

More than 80 people earning and learning on apprenticeships.

TRAINING 100+

Over 100 local people have completed multiple professional training courses, supporting them on their way into employment.

GLOBAL MAJORITY 39%

39% of all candidates supported into work are from the Global Majority, including Black, Asian, Hispanic and mixed ethnic groups – making progress towards our ambition to reflect our diverse local community.

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A PLACE OF DIVERSITY, OPPORTUNITY AND GROWTH

Emma Cariaga

Chief Operating Officer, British Land

From the start, our ambition has been to connect thousands of local people with new opportunities being created at Canada Water, enabling them to work in quality careers they love. We look forward to building on our early success of over 130 local job seekers already securing employment and continuing to generate commercial returns – for us and our customers – as a result.”

Can Social Impact Programmes provide an answer in the War for Talent

Councillor John Batteson

Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, Southwark Council

“We are thrilled that British Land and ELBA, our partners at Canada Water, have helped the First 100 to achieve this milestone six months ahead of schedule… We believe that sustained employment where local people are paid the London Living Wage represents a life-changing opportunity and look at the work here as a model for Southwark.”

Growing resilience and cushioning the impact on our communities

Julie Hutchinson

Chief Executive Officer, ELBA, Canada Water Connect

“We invite businesses across Canada Water to plug into our partnerships to recruit and develop talent, with the option to tailor programmes for different sectors and levels – from entry level roles to advanced skills. Enabling local people to thrive is essential to the lasting success of Canada Water.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Samie

Project Manager at East London Business Alliance

"Canada Water Connect really prioritises finding opportunities that align with people’s career goals. I felt such a sense of excitement when I heard about the project manager role, as it aligns perfectly with my experience and career aspirations. My goal is to be a beacon for the Southwark community, where I was born and raised."

Anthony

Level 2 Groundworker, Galldris

"I learn different things every day at Canada Water. It feels good to learn and earn at the same time. I also like meeting new people at work. Before starting here, I was cleaning windows far away. Now, I’m progressing on a Level 2 Groundwork Apprenticeship. I want to keep learning construction trades and hopefully move up."

Sylvia

Forklift Driver at O'Neill & Brennan

"I love my job because I earn from it and I’ve made so many friends. I’ve learnt a lot about construction at Canada Water and I’m looking forward to learning more. This is my first job local to where I live so it only takes me 10 minutes to walk here from home. I started as a hoist driver on this project and now I’m a forklift driver. Canada Water Connect is helping more women find opportunities in construction. In the future, I hope to become a manager."

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