ODA hopes facility will cater for 350 trainees working on Olympic site

An apprenticeship hub was officially opened by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell on the Olympic park site today.

Around 120 apprentices are now working for contractors delivering the London 2012 Olympic park.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) aims to increase this figure to 350.

The new apprenticeship hub will provide guidance, career support, courses, IT and study space. The hub will also help ensure that apprentices are able to continue their training or employment on future projects once they have completed their work on the Olympic park.

New contractors now have a contractual requirement to deliver 3% of their workforce as apprentices.

ODA chairman John Armitt said: “We are committed to leaving a jobs and skills legacy that uses the Games as a catalyst to create long term career opportunities for local and young people. We have set a tough target for apprenticeships and are working hard with our contractors to reach it.”