Mayor of London Boris Johnson gets concrete lesson at Crossrail academy for National Apprenticeship Week

Boris Johnson visiting Crossrail academy in Ilford as part of National Apprentice Week. Apprentices, Samuel Agyeman, Wayne Lennon, and Ryan Breeze, with Boris.

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Monday, March 11, 2013
1:17 PM

Mayor of London Boris Johnson met young apprentices at the Crossrail Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford this morning.

Boris Johnson visiting Crossrail academy in Ilford as part of National Apprentice Week.

Mr Johnson visited the academy, in Lugg Approach, with transport minister Stephen Hammond to launch National Apprenticeship Week.

The politicians were shown the sprayed concrete lining equipment that will be used at Crossrail construction sites throughout London.

The Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy opened in September 2011 to address the shortage of skilled workers in the field.

Crossrail is committed to training at least 400 apprentices and more than 150 are currently employed.

Boris Johnson visiting Crossrail academy in Ilford as part of National Apprentice Week.

Mr Johnson said: “London’s apprentices are now providing a fantastic contribution to our economy and it’s only right that they are recognised for their hard work and commitment.”

The mayor announced the start of his promised concessionary travel scheme for apprentices, which will give anyone in their first year of an apprenticeship a 30 per cent reduction on travelcards and season tickets for London transport.

Crossrail, which will link Maidenhead to Gravesend and Shenfield via central London, is due to be completed in 2018.