New figures out today show that London is the fastest growing UK region for new apprenticeship opportunities.

In just over a year, more than 40,000 new apprenticeships have been created in London - double the number achieved in the previous year. London's share of the national apprenticeship new starts has now risen from 7.3% to more than 9% in the past year.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has been a vocal supporter of apprenticeship schemes. His efforts with top London employers, in conjunction with the work of the National Apprenticeship Service, have been largely successful, prompting him to increase the target for new apprentices in the capital. Mr Johnson now believes that 100,000 apprenticeships can be created by the end of 2012.

The Mayor is particularly keen to build on the success of work done with business sectors that play to London's strengths, namely financial services, digital, creative, cultural, retail and hospitality, where apprenticeships are still underrepresented compared to the size of their workforces.

Said Mr Johnson, "As we grapple with difficult economic conditions and a tough labour market it is clear that an increasing number of employers are helping to address the problem by turning to apprenticeships as a way of supporting their businesses and developing employee skills.

"While we have had fantastic success on the numbers, we have to drive on and take the cause to those companies who have not yet seen how apprentices can increase their competitiveness and boost the bottom line.

"Becoming an apprentice is no longer seen as a second choice career option and many school leavers are yearning for the opportunity to take their first step on the career ladder."

Vic Grimes, divisional apprenticeship director for the National Apprenticeship Service in London and the South East, echoed the Mayor's views: "The National Apprenticeship Service is working closely with the Greater London Authority, business organisations and employers to ensure that the increase in apprenticeships in London continues.

"I'm delighted with the increase, especially amongst young people... but we know there is a lot of hard work involved ahead as we work to promote the real benefits for business that high quality apprenticeship programmes bring to employers of all sizes and all sectors."