Olympics and Paralympics Skills Requirements to be Investigated to Bring Best Games

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The Olympic Games and the Paralympics Games are due to arrive in London in 2012, following a very passionate campaign that saw London edge out Paris and Madrid (amongst others).

Now that the bidding process is over, and now that the issue of voting with the wrong button that caused a brief stir a few weeks ago is drifting out of focus, attention is now being turned to the infrastructure behind hosting the games. With this in mind, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the London Development Agency (LDA, which is the Mayors agency for business and jobs) have commissioned an extensive research project on the skills that workers will need to deliver a successful London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games.

The researchers commissioned will be examining the skills and training requirements needed to build the Olympic Park and Legacy development in East London, and to stage the actual Games in 2012. The information will hope to identify any potential skills gaps. It will also seek to cater for the rise and fall of skills demands which will then assist delivery organisations and businesses to plan ahead more effectively.

The Research

The research project will cover the following areas; an analysis of the skills needs resulting from previous Olympic Games and Paralympics and Commonwealth Games; the timetable running up to and during the 2012 Games and the anticipated demand for skilled workers; and examples of best practice in skills and employment training in the Olympic Games and Paralympics Games and major regeneration projects.

Jointly funded by the LDA and the LSC, who are both preparing for their central role in funding and coordinating the training up needed for the Games and the aftermath, the research is being conducted by Experian Business Strategies Limited. Almost 2 million people across London have accessed training and education supported by LSC funding in the past year alone. The results of the study are expected later this year and will be used in planning the skills needs for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Committed LSC Approach

David Hughes, the LSC Regional Director for London, said: “For London to host a successful Olympic and Paralympics Games the LSC has an important leadership role in delivering the training and skills to the employers who will build the infrastructure and deal with the competitors and visitors. But more than that, we will seize this opportunity to help local people gain new skills, which will remain a fantastic legacy for London and its residents.”

The Executive Director of the Olympic Opportunities and International Promotion section at the LDA, said: “The Games will create thousands of new jobs and training opportunities for Londoners. Its also a chance for people to develop their skills and learn new ones and this study will give us the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities the Games will bring and we are determined Londoners and businesses will realise the benefits. This study will help the LDA, the LSC and our key partners to co-ordinate a plan of action.”

Jethro Marsh

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