Skillnet Automotive Academy has been selected by the government to join the London apprenticeship task force.

Headed by Minister for Skills, David Lammy, the task force comprises employers, local government representatives, college principals and training providers, and aims to persuade more London employers to offer apprenticeships.

Under the initiative, the government plans to see one in five suitably qualified school leavers offered places on apprenticeship schemes by 2013.

Lee Acton, chief executive of Skillnet, said: "It has long been recognised that a highly-trained workforce is essential to customer satisfaction and dealer profitability and Skillnet is focused on providing the market leaders in both the car and commercial vehicle sectors with a quality service."

Skills Minister David Lammy added: "There aren’t enough apprenticeships available in London – and London’s people, young and old, deserve better. That's why I have set up the London Apprenticeships Task Force to boost their growth."