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2012 skills programme improves prospects for 20 000 Londoners
20,000 Londoners will get a major job boost as a direct result of staging the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the Mayor announced today.
The Mayor was launching ‘Personal Best’, a landmark programme run by the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which will offer some of the city’s most disadvantaged the opportunity to develop a range of new skills. Formerly known as the Pre-Volunteer Programme, ‘Personal Best’ was trialled in 11 London Boroughs this year with 370 Londoners taking part. So far, 15% of those who took up the programme have moved into jobs, 42% have taken up further training and 33% have opted for volunteering opportunities. Closer to the time, graduates will also be offered an interview to become a volunteer at the London 2012 Games.
Graduates attended a special ceremony this evening (29th October) at Wembley Stadium where they were congratulated by the Mayor, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and Sebastian Coe Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said:
‘I have always believed that the success of the 2012 Games would be measured in the legacy and benefits we deliver for the whole of London. Today we can see how that legacy is already making a real difference to the lives of those who have participated in the programme, who wouldn’t have normally taken up such training if it wasn’t for the association with the Games.
‘Many graduates have already moved into jobs and many more are being inspired to seek additional training. Personal Best will not only benefit those who sign up but also act as a catalyst for raising skills levels across the capital.’
Manny Lewis, LDA Chief Executive, said:
‘The qualification and experience people will gain through Personal Best will make a real difference to their futures. We are already celebrating participants of the pilot getting new jobs and gaining experience at high profile events such as the Diana Concert and the London Marathon.
‘Many people see winning the Games as a sporting opportunity, but the social and economic benefits are far greater both before and after 2012. Personal Best is just one example of how the London 2012 legacy is being delivered now across London.’
Mary Conneely, the London Skills Council’s Regional Director Regeneration London said:
'I am delighted that so many people have benefited from the programme and achieved their Personal Best. This programme provides students with vital literacy and numeracy skills as well other skills in customer service and volunteering that they will need not only to take part in the 2012 Games, but for life in general.
‘The LSC is proud to be investing £1 million in Personal Best, which we hope will continue to inspire people to get back into education and training and empower them to gain the skills they need to get a job. This is about individuals gaining the skills to make real choices in their lives.'
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said:
‘London 2012 has always been about much more than sport. We want to use the transformational power of the Games to be a catalyst for good, and the Personal Best programme is a tangible example of how the Games can change lives now, four and a half years out from the summer of 2012.’
Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister said:
‘Personal Best is a win-win idea, and one that is already achieving results. Participants learn new skills to not only increase their chances of finding jobs and training opportunities, but also their self confidence. The 2012 organisers know that they have a ready and willing volunteer workforce for the Games.
‘In 2012 we have an incredible opportunity to inspire people to try something new – whether that is volunteering, trying a new sport or taking part in a cultural activity. I am determined to use this opportunity for the good of communities across the UK, so that everyone can achieve their own personal best.’
The programme will now be rolled out across London from April 2008 and will be offered nationally later in the year.
ENDS
To see the full release visit http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=14272
