London mayor Boris Johnson has launched Culture Squad 2012, which will offer five full-time paid apprentices the chance to gain experience of producing a major outdoor festival.

The scheme aims to establish itself as a flagship for best practice and involves Arts Council England; The Albany; Barbican; English National Ballet; Roundhouse; and Watermans.

Each of the apprentices between the ages of 19- and 24-years old will be based at one of the five arts organisations for 12 months and will work towards a NVQ Level 2 in Live Events.

The apprentices will be mentored by producers involved with putting together a new outdoor festival commissioned by the major to coincide with the London 2012 Festival.

Johnson said: "London leads the world in the creative industries and to remain the best, we must train up the younger generation with apprenticeships such as these."

Closing date for applications is 28 November at 12pm. Details: www.london.gov.uk