Boris Johnson has announced £11.5m in funding to provide skills, training and mentoring for 8,000 young Londoners.
The funds, provided by the European Social Fund, will be made available to organisations which assist youngsters who are not currently in education, employment or training by providing pre-apprenticeship programmes.
Mayor Johnson said: “It is the people of London that enable this city to thrive during the tough times. Young apprentices are key to the future prosperity of the capital and it is essential that we continue to invest in and build a skilled workforce to maintain our competitiveness. One of my main priorities is providing life-changing opportunities to young Londoners who have fallen out of the education system or lack the skills necessary for employment. This funding is a major step in delivering this.”
Organisations taking up the funding will be required to ensure that their users are fully prepared for their apprenticeship, placed with an appropriate employer and offered continued support, advice and guidance for at least six months into their course.
Johnson called on companies “to continue to play their part by investing in young people who are keen to learn new skills and will add real value to any workforce”
