The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will spend an additional £5m across London this year to expand vocational training in four key areas related to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These are: Construction skills, Sport, Customer Service and Audio-Visual.
 
In the construction area, the investment will be used to provide training for people on incapacity and health benefit to enable them to become employed construction trade A1 assessors - a key demand arising from the 2012 Games
 
The funds will also go towards preparing local residents for construction Apprenticeships at Kings Cross station, which will be a major transport hub for the 2012 Games.
 
Lammy said: "Working with the Mayor, we are determined to assist employers in meeting their skills needs to build and deliver the Games and their legacy. As Skills Minister I want to ensure that we use the Games to motivate people into work or training and help them compete for London 2012 opportunities and good jobs beyond 2012.
 
 "Working in partnership the LSC can meet the challenges for London and the country. We must get more people into skilled jobs in construction, customer services and hospitality, media and communications - and help the coaches and athletes too. This £5m package of measures will help reach out to Londoners and give them the skills they need to benefit from the Games."