On your marks

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a unique opportunity, not only for London but also for South East England and the rest of the UK. They will act as a powerful catalyst for the regeneration of a key part of the Thames Gateway and bring economic and community benefits to the wider South East.

This opportunity brings with it a challenge for the area in the provision of an adequately skilled labour force to both build and stage the event. Potential labour issues have already been identified in a number of sectors (particularly the construction industry) and the awarding of the 2012 Olympics to London will increase pressure even further.

To help address the envisaged skills shortages the LSC secured funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and launched the On Your Marks programme inviting providers to tender for the funds. A list of successful bidders was published in June 2006.