New apprenticeships in business and administration have been started with the local authority by another 27 school-leavers in London’s East End.

The youngsters have taken up placements in a wide range of areas as part of Tower Hamlets council’s annual Apprenticeship Programme, in public services run by the Town Hall.

Competition was fierce this year with hundreds of youngsters applying for the programme.

“We play a role in identifying and training local talent,” Work and Economic Growth cabinet member Joshua Peck explained. “The council as an employer supports thousands of new roles being created by the economic growth in this area.”

The council’s apprenticeship programme has now been running for 20 years and has helped thousands of youngsters into long term employment.

There is a large volume of potential young talent which the local authority is tapping into.

Mayor John Biggs said: “We are giving them the chance to build a career while it helps make sure that our workforce reflects the community.”

Rapid commercial and housing development in the East End is opening up opportunities for skilled labour which means the apprentices, with added qualifications, can go on to administrative roles in companies of their choice.

Three-out-of-four apprentices in previous years have gone onto further qualifications in finance, law, welfare advice, housing and social care.

This year’s apprenticeship intake met the mayor, chief executive Will Tuckley and Cllr Peck on Tuesday as part of their welcome and induction.