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Londoners are being given a helping hand to access jobs and training opportunities linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The website www.podiumskillslondon.co.uk which is funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) offers a one-stop shop for Londoners to access information on skills training and education related to the 2012 Games.

Podium Skills London is offering sector specific jobs and training information in areas such as construction, creative media, and hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) by working closely with colleges and universities.

The website includes an innovative employment forecast providing users with information about the types of skills needed to deliver the 2012 Games, a course search selection, which enables users to link into training courses related to key sectors and information, plus case studies relating to the sector specific skills needed by the 2012 Games.

Geoff Newton, LDA Director of Olympic Opportunity, said:

"Podium Skills London offers Londoners this unique tool to take advantage of the jobs and training opportunities needed to deliver the 2012 Games. The London Development Agency (LDA) is committed to creating employment and skills opportunities for Londoners through the Olympic Games, and this is another step towards creating a lasting legacy."



Ian Ashman, Principal of Hackney Community College and Chair of Podium Skills London, said:


"The 2012 Games will provide a unique opportunity for Londoners to improve their skills and employability. It will create a wide range of volunteering opportunities, temporary and permanent jobs. The work of Podium Skills London and its website are designed to assist Londoners in making the most of this opportunity, helping to give them the ‘competitive edge’ that is so important in these challenging times.


"So whether you are a student or you work in a college, university or training provider, do make the most of the resources of Podium Skills London and help yourself or your students to make the most of 2012."


Kate Anderson, Regional Director of the Association of Colleges London Region, said:


"Podium Skills London online is a powerful tool for Colleges and Universities, offering intelligence on current skills gaps, as well as long-term employment forecasts for sectors associated with the staging of the 2012 Games. The Podium Skills website offers an entry-point for London Colleges and Universities to find out about the skills requirements for the Games and tailor course provision within their institutions to suit the needs of employers and, most importantly, help Londoners progress towards sustainable employment in these key sectors."


Omotayo Kosoko, a City of Westminster College student who benefitted from Podium Skills London, said:


"Podium Skills London gives people an opportunity to find out about the skills London needs to be able to successfully stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. As a student studying for a BTEC National Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development, I think it’s important for people to know how the Games can potentially make an impact on their lives far beyond the summer months of 2012 themselves."


For further information contact the LDA Media Team: Sarita Bhatia 020 7593 8087, LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020 7593 9000



Notes to Editors

- The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.

- Podium Skills London held a Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism workshop on September 3rd. This is part of a series of workshops. To find out more visit www.podiumskillslondon.co.uk 


- Podium Skills London aims to provide the best possible information on training for currently in-demand skills related to the many employment opportunities created by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Podium Skills London is hosted by the Association of Colleges and funded by the London Development Agency.



For further information please contact:

Sarita Bhatia, Press Officer

Tel: 020 7593 8087 Mob: 07711 605444 saritabhatia@lda.gov.uk 

LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020 7593 9000