A new 'Personal Best' programme supported by London 2012 will help 20,000 disadvantaged Londoners learn new skills ahead of the Games. Keeping It Simple Training will be exclusively delivering this programme in the London Borough of Haringey and supporting the delivery in the London Borough’s of Waltham Forest and Enfield.
Funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) and Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the programme will help participants find jobs and training opportunities. Graduates will also be offered an interview to be a volunteer during the London 2012 Games.
Formerly known as the 'Pre-Volunteer Programme', the scheme was trialled across 11 London Boroughs. Last night 370 graduates were joined by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Sebastian Coe and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone for a ceremony at Wembley Stadium.
The programme will be rolled out across London from April 2008 and across the UK later in the year.
Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: ‘Personal Best is a win-win idea, and one that is already achieving results. Participants learn new skills to not only increase their chances of finding jobs and training opportunities, but also their self confidence. The 2012 organisers know that they have a ready and willing volunteer workforce for the Games.
‘In 2012 we have an incredible opportunity to inspire people to try something new – whether that is volunteering, trying a new sport or taking part in a cultural activity. I am determined to use this opportunity for the good of communities across the UK, so that everyone can achieve their own personal best.’