Orthodox Jews build skills for Olympic projects

The course in Hackney, believed to be the first of its kind in Britain, will give them access to jobs with which they are not traditionally associated.

Hackney Homes, which set up the programme in consultation with community leaders, said the first course - which leads to a City and Guilds certificate - was full, and its graduates should be able to work on construction sites when they finish next April.

Rabbi Avraham Pinter, principal of the Yesodey Hatorah schools in Stamford Hill said: "They are gaining skills to give themselves employment opportunities. There is unemployment within this community, just like any other community. Construction is a growing industry in this part of London."

He praised Hackney Homes, which is an agency of the local authority, for devising "culturally sensitive" courses that enabled Orthodox Jewish men to consider a career path they may not have contemplated otherwise. "I think it is unusual and traditionally they have worked in areas like accountancy or law, using brain more than brawn.

But it's a new day and I'm sure these opportunities are welcomed."

Zeddy Lawrence, editorial director of the Jewish News, said: "Jews in the Diaspora have always believed they should play an active and constructive role in the societies in which they live, so while they may not conform to the stereotype, it should come as no surprise that members of the community are willing to get stuck into developing and regenerating the area. Let's not forget, according to the Old Testament, we were the ones who built the great cities of ancient Egypt."

A spokeswoman for Hackney Homes said: "There are currently 12 Orthodox Jewish students of the Woodberry Works Construction Centre. This is the full intake.

"All of the students live in either Woodberry Down or Stamford Hill. Consultation with the community indicated a preference for this course."