The number of apprentices employed by boroughs continues to rise each year, with boroughs generating a total of 3,693 apprenticeships between April 2019 and March 2020, figures released by London Councils this week show.

The figures include 1,772 apprentices created internally by councils; 510 in maintained schools and 481 in borough supply chains.

This year, London Councils has collected data in two new categories: apprentices recruited by businesses that boroughs have worked with, but aren’t in the direct supply chain (838), and apprentices created through apprenticeship levy transfers from boroughs to SMEs (89).

London Councils Executive Member for Skills and Employment, Cllr Georgia Gould, said: “This year in particular has been a difficult year for many Londoners. The opportunities that borough apprenticeships offer to learn skills, lay foundations and expand horizons for the future of individuals and communities are vital to London’s recovery.”

The winners of the 10th annual London Boroughs Apprenticeship Awards are due to be announced online by Cllr Gould next month.

Following government legislation to allow trials of rental e-scooters, London Councils, London boroughs and TfL are working together to scope out whether a rental e-scooter trial in London could be possible.

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee, said: "Walking and cycling will play an important role in London’s green recovery from Covid-19, providing environmental and health benefits. However, we are also open to exploring innovative travel solutions that might also help get London moving again, as long as they are safe and sustainable.

"A co-ordinated London rental e-scooter trial would help ensure higher safety standards and a better experience for users.

"Any trial of rental e-scooters needs to have safety as the number one priority and would need to be designed with London’s local communities and infrastructure in mind.

"TfL has already carried out early engagement with companies involved in the sector to find out whether a trial could be held, promoting safety and taking into account the interests of all Londoners."

After seven years of delivering a leading innovation programme for London, London Ventures will conclude on 22 August. London Ventures has supported local government to improve outcomes for Londoners through innovating and transforming service delivery, working with all 32 boroughs and the City of London. London Ventures has been governed by the Capital Ambition Board and delivered by London Councils in partnership with EY.  

London Ventures has worked across sectors to tackle big issues; from homelessness and temporary accommodation, to children and families and knife related violence. The programme has generated more than £40 million worth of value for London boroughs, through investment, improved outcomes and digital transformation. London Ventures would like to thank everyone who has worked with them through the years and are proud to have made a real difference to Londoners.