Westminster-Kingsway College

London businesses urged to support apprenticeships by Mayor of London Boris Johnson

During National Apprenticeship Week 2010, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has encouraged employers to get on board by offering more apprenticeships for the young people of London. The Mayor was speaking at a London Apprenticeship Company event, held at the London Transport Museum, attended by Apprentices from Westminster Kingsway College, one of the key training partners, and College Principal, Andy Wilson.

The Mayor warned that young Londoners are in danger of losing out as the economy recovers unless more apprenticeship opportunities are provided for them. He also announced a new Transport for London apprenticeship scheme that will see fifty young people, take part in a training programme at the London Transport Museum.

Over 80 per cent of businesses that employ Apprentices report increased productivity in the workplace. The Mayor is urging companies across the capital to take advantage of the support available from organisations such as the London Apprenticeship Company and Westminster Kingsway College who can help businesses, particularly smaller firms, through the process of finding and recruiting Apprentices.

The Mayor said: "As we creep out of the recession we must double our efforts to ensure that the capital’s youth are getting every chance to excel in their chosen fields. If we don’t get more young Londoners into training and employment we are in danger of creating a wasted generation.

"Many employers will tell you how taking on an Apprentice is a fantastic way to bring fresh talent and energy into the team and build the basis for future growth. I salute all businesses across London that already have Apprenticeship schemes in place and I’m encouraging many more to follow suit."

The Mayor was visiting the Apprenticeship Open Day in central London where he met with Apprentices, employers and organisations that have benefited from hosting young people including three Apprentices from Westminster Kingsway College.

Maissa Tomas is a Chef Apprentice working at London restaurant, Bumpkin while undertaking her Professional Chef training once a week at Westminster Kingsway College. Maissa said: "I am really enjoying my apprenticeship and am able to work and train at the same time."

Boris Johnson also met Natasha Ahir and Fayzur Rahman who are employed through Westminster Kingsway College’s business training division, Employer Training Solutions while they undertake their Apprenticeship training in Business and Administration. Natasha and Fayzur spoke with the Mayor and other potential apprentices attending the Open Day about their experiences.

The event showcased the work of the London Apprenticeship Company, which is part funded by the London Development Agency, in supporting small and medium sized enterprises and organisations to take on Apprentices. Several training partners were represented at the event including Westminster Kingsway College, London College of Beauty Therapy, Park Royal Partnership, Transport for London, Responsible IT, London Transport Museum and Dancing After School.