London mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a £7m scheme to support young people interested in digital, technology and creative careers, with a focus on women and minority ethnic groups.
The scheme aims to support businesses over the next two years, in a bid to meet the needs of tech businesses in the capital.
With funding from the London Local Enterprise Partnership and the European Social Fund will go towards building new school programmes, improving existing programmes and the creation of new apprenticeships up until 2019.
The new schemes will be designed with the help of London’s tech employers and is expected to support 1,500 young Londoners to access industry-backed training and work experience placements.
Discussing the launch 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.”
