New figures reveal sharp increase in the
number of completed apprenticeships schemes in the capital.
The number of people completing apprenticeship programmes in London has trebled in the last four years, according to new government figures.
Data from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills shows that 6,200 trainees completed an apprenticeship scheme in the capital in 2007-08, up from 2,050 in 2003-04.
This figure represents an increase of 202 per cent and means that 4,000 new apprentices have completed their training in London during the period.
Hackney was the leading London borough in terms of an increase in apprenticeship completions, with a rise of 505 per cent to 130 completed apprenticeships recorded.
On a national level, 112,600 people completed an apprenticeship in 2007-08, compared with just 49,300 four years earlier.
Skills secretary John Denham said the figures were proof that "this government has rescued apprenticeships".
He added: "Last year was a record year for apprenticeships, with the highest ever starts.
"Today's regional figures show the highest ever number of people completing their apprenticeships, with the highest ever completion rate of 64 per cent."
The figures were also welcomed by children's secretary Ed Balls, who said that apprenticeships are "pivotal in equipping the country with a highly skilled and motivated workforce".
Last month, mayor of London Boris Johnson unveiled plans to provide 3,000 new apprenticeships at public sector employers in the capital over the next three years.
He said that a range of on-the-job training schemes will be offered at the Greater London Authority, local borough councils, Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police.
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