Boris urges London businesses to take on apprentices

Johnson's call came as he launched a new Transport for London apprenticeship scheme, which will offer training for 50 15- to 19-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.

The scheme will be run by the London Apprenticeship Company, which exists to employ and train 16- to 25-year-old apprentices before subcontracting them out to local employers. This makes it easier for businesses to take on apprentices by removing the bureaucracy involved with hiring a new employee.

Johnson claimed more than 80 per cent of businesses that take on apprentices report increased productivity in the workplace.

"As we creep out of the recession we must double our efforts to ensure that the capital's youth are getting every chance to excel in their chosen fields," he said. "If we don't get more young Londoners into training and employment we are in danger of creating a wasted generation."

He told a group of young apprentices: "Through the years, I think apprenticeships have turned people into geniuses."

Hannah Mayne was taken on as a young apprentice by business organisation London First last summer. She was one of the first apprentices to be hired out by the London Apprenticeship Company.

Baroness Jo Valentine, chief executive of London First, said businesses should take on apprentices to support young Londoners.

"Hannah has received mentoring and opportunities to develop her skills, while London First has benefited through employing a dedicated member of staff at a competitive rate who is eager to learn and grow, and who provides valuable support across the organisation," she said.