It is claimed that "Personal Best" will help up to 7,000 people gain their first qualification through classes and individual support.

 

They will also build self esteem through work experience and gain transferable jobs skills through a nationally recognised qualification in volunteering, organisers of the scheme said.

 

Run by the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), "Personal Best" uses the appeal of the London 2012 Games to reach out to communities.

 

Closer to the time, graduates will be guaranteed an interview as part of the application process to become a 2012 Games volunteer, with up to 10 per cent of volunteers coming from the "Personal Best" programme.

 

Personal Best has been trialed in 11 London Boroughs with 875 Londoners taking part.

 

The majority finished the programmed in the autumn this year.

 

So far 14.5 per cent have already moved onto either full or part time employment and 23.5 per cent into further learning.

 

Their achievements were celebrated tonight alongside Olympians and Paralympians at a ceremony in Wembley Stadium.

 

Over the next six months the programme will be rolled out to every London Borough.

 

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "It is great to see the 2012 Games already having such a positive impact on the lives of so many Londoners.

 

"I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to graduate through 'Personal Best' and I am pleased that Londoners from every Borough will now be able to benefit from this important programme.

 

"It is really encouraging that, on top of those who have found work as a result, many other graduates have decided to continue developing their skills by embarking on further training or volunteering at important major events across the capital.

 

"It would be and added bonus to see many of those faces who graduate in the coming years helping out as volunteers at the London Games."

 

Tom Russell, the group director for Olympic Legacy at the LDA, said: "'Personal Best' can be a truly life changing experience.

 

"We have already seen people turn their fortunes round through the pilot.

 

"They have built up a new confidence and achieved that first job or qualification through the programme. Now it is the turn for every London Borough to benefit.

 

“The LDA is helping Londoners of all backgrounds to benefit from the opportunities linked to the 2012 Olympic and Paraylmpic Games.

 

"Through 'Personal Best' we expect thousands to be leading successful careers before 2012 contributing to a successful London for decades to come.

 

"We want to deliver an Olympic legacy now.”

 

Mary Conneely, the LSC's regional director for regeneration in London said: "'Personal Best' has been developed to support the Olympic and Paralympic Games and ensure we leave a real and lasting legacy.

 

"It is hugely important, not just for the Games, but for each individual to gain vital skills and qualifications to set them up for life.

 

"Participants beginning their journey with 'Personal Best' have a fantastic opportunity to achieve their personal goals and maximise their potential.

 

“Already, many participants have gone on to permanent jobs or more volunteering and I would like to congratulate them all on their achievements.”

 

"Personal Best" also offers work experience which mimics some of the volunteering skills required for the 2012 Games.

 

Opportunities have included stewarding at the Bromley Half-Marathon, the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, the Boat Race and other sporting and entertainment events.

 

Participants have also worked at Wembley Stadium events including the recent Madonna concert.

 

Wembley helped design the "Personal Best" programme using their experience in event and matchday stewarding.

 

"They also worked with Brent and Waltham Forest Councils to deliver training opportunities, while some Personal Best graduates have gone on to work at the Stadium.

 

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: “We want the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to inspire change and encourage people to fulfil their potential.

 

"'Personal Best' is delivering ways for Londoners to do this right now with just over three-and-a-half years until the events themselves.

 

"As the 2008 Beijing Games this summer proved, volunteers make the difference between a good Games and great Games for athletes and spectators alike.

 

"'Personal Best' provides relevant skills training to ensure as many Londoners as possible have an opportunity to be part this once in-a-lifetime experience.”

 

Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister said: “Our ambition for the Games is much more than just about hosting a summer of sport in 2012.

 

"It is about the chance to change lives for the better.

 

"Nothing exemplifies this more than the 'Personal Best' programme, which is already having an impact.

 

“This initiative is helping develop skills and instil confidence that will provide individuals and whole communities with benefits for decades to come.

 

“I congratulate all those who have graduated from the scheme and look forward to it being rolled out to the whole of London.

 

"It will then be introduced across the country, starting in the North-East and South-East early in 2009 - further proof of our commitment to a UK-wide legacy from London 2012.”