More than 2,000 apprentices were hired by the boroughs and their supply chains in 2016-17 taking the total number of apprenticeships created in London local government since 2009 to more than 11,000.
There was a 26% increase from last year in the number apprentices entering London council supply chains in industries including construction, finance and economic development.
Peter John, deputy chair of London Councils and executive member for business, skills and Brexit, said it was “fantastic” that authorities across the capital were offering so many opportunities to young people.
He added: “This data shows that boroughs are excelling at helping businesses in their supply chains recruit more apprentices, but they and other employers could do much more if they were able to make better use of the Apprenticeship Levy.”
John called for any unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds generated in the capital to be devolved to London government.
London Councils said devolving unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds would enable the mayor and the boroughs to increase access to opportunities by underrepresented groups, build capacity with small businesses and identify gaps in apprenticeship standards.
In addition, London Councils called on the government to allow businesses to transfer more than 10% of their apprenticeship levy funding to supply chains.
The 10% allowance will be permitted from April next year but London Councils argue this does not enough go far enough.
