Image: More than 20 young people have secured roles

Odeon Cinemas, one of the UK's largest cinema chains, has launched a new Apprenticeship Academy - offering jobs and work-based training for young unemployed Londoners.

The operator is working in conjunction with national training partner Lifetime and has led to more than 20 people aged between 18- and 22-years-old offered posts across the capital.

Recruits will be given the opportunity to develop counter and customer service skills, with a Customer Service Level 2 qualification - equivalent to 5 GCSEs at A-C grade - awarded upon completion.

Odeon group and UK HR and legal services director Mike Stevens said: "The Odeon Academy will enable the young people to develop their theoretical and practical knowledge as well as enhancing their career opportunities within Odeon.

"The recruitment and training support from Lifetime has been invaluable and we are thrilled to begin this next phase to our learning and development vision for our business, employees and customers."

Lifetime CEO Alex Khan added: "This is the latest initiative that we have launched to help promote the personal and professional development of young people in the UK.

"All new apprentices will not only benefit from the Odeon Academy but will also have the opportunity to develop real transferable skills that will benefit them greatly in the future."

Click here for more information about Odeon's Apprenticeship Academy.