Charles Walker asks the Government what initiatives have been launched to use the 2012 London Olympi

Mr. Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what initiatives his Department has launched to use the 2012 London Olympics as a vehicle for promoting upskilling and vocational learning; and who he has appointed to lead them. [170293]

Mr. Lammy [holding answer 3 December 2007]: We are using the games to drive forward the broader skills agenda to bring about systemic change and ensure a legacy that is felt long term not just in London but nationwide. In the main, this will be achieved using existing initiatives such as Train to Gain, as we help employers in meeting their skill needs to design, build and deliver the games, and encourage individuals to develop their skills so that they can compete for opportunities and progress within the labour market beyond 2012.

On the employer side, two cluster groups of Sector Skills Councils are leading two areas: one to look specifically at the issues relating to the built environment and environmental improvements for the games; and the other is looking at the staging and legacy aspects of the games. Other specific employer-led initiatives include work by Go Skills with Transport for London to build and diversify their workforce; a programme of media training placements being developed by Skillset; the National Skills Strategy for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism in England developed by People 1st; and the National Skills Academy for Construction centre on the Olympic site which the Prime Minister announced on 29 November. Individual's initiatives include new advanced apprenticeships in sporting excellence; customer service and hospitality apprenticeships; and the LDA-led personal best programme which is currently being piloted in London but will be offered nationally and is targeted at individuals furthest away from the labour market to improve skills and promote employability.

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