A new highways maintenance apprenticeship aimed at helping the unemployed find work is set to begin in central London.

Westminster City Council’s Highway Traineeship Scheme will begin in December, following a successful recruitment drive.

A council spokesperson said eight candidates were ready to start, and a further four were on the waiting list. Launched with charity Vital Regeneration, the scheme will offer on-the-job training and employment with companies such as Balfour Beatty, FM Conway, Murphy Group and WSP UK.

The trainees will also gain an NVQ qualification and receive a regular income over three years. Cllr Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster City Council, said: ‘This scheme will give young people and local residents greater opportunities.

Those who want to work in highway maintenance will gain essential and useful qualifications while still being able to earn a wage.’ Candidates will learn about key disciplines of highways maintenance, including repairing roads and footways, highway inspections and computer-aided design.