Sadiq Khan announces £7m scheme to help strengthen London's tech workforce
London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced a new £7m scheme to get more Londoners into digital, technology and creative careers.
Sadiq Khan
The two-year long initiative focuses on encouraging more women and minority ethnic groups to pursue careers in the sector and work to meet the needs of tech business in the capital.
It will support young people developing digital skills through the creation of apprenticeships thanks to funding from a combination of the London Local Enterprise Partnership and the European Social Fund.
The funds will also help develop new programmes at school and the strengthening existing regimes as well as collaborating with London’s high-tech businesses to design the project.
In announcing the scheme Khan, said: “It is vital that we nurture the next generation of digital enthusiasts so we can continue to provide our tech firms with home-grown talent.
“Our new scheme will help to ensure that this crucial sector continues to go from strength to strength.
“It will also look to address the factors that are often preventing young women, those from minority ethnic backgrounds and our more deprived communities from accessing tech jobs and ensure there is a level playing field when it comes to being a part of this hugely exciting part of our economy.”
It is estimated that the investment will support 1,500 young Londoners access industry-backed training, work experience placements.