London councils on target to recruit 2,000 apprentices

This means local authorities in the capital are more than halfway towards their target to recruit 2,000 apprentices by 2012.

Think-tank London Councils’ executive member for children and young people, Steve Reed, welcomed the news, claiming that local authorities are on track to recruit even more apprentices.

"Lord Sugar is not the only one looking for an apprentice, boroughs are searching too," he said.

"Apprenticeships in London’s local authorities are a fantastic way for apprentices to gain the skills and experience sought by employers, while giving something back to their communities."

Young apprentices on the scheme, which combines work with college training, are offered programmes of between one and three years.

Some of the apprenticeships have been offered through local authority contractors, as part of big projects such as the Olympics and the construction of Crossrail.

Haydor Ali, 21, is an IT apprentice at Ealing Council. Before joining the apprenticeship scheme he became a father, but felt he had no time to go into further education because he needed to earn money for his family. 

"I always liked IT from an early age but pushed it aside, now I want to pursue this as far as possible," he said. "I’m already having a great time here in my apprenticeship and I have never felt so welcomed into a new job."

Tamanna Begum, 18, is doing an advanced apprenticeship in business administration at Camden Council, where she works to support local businesses.

"I enjoy working and learning at the same time," she said. "This role suits me and to work with Camden Council is a great opportunity for me."