An exciting new partnership between the council and Crossrail is set to create hundreds of full time jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Barking and Dagenham residents.

The two parties have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’, confirming their commitment to work together to increase local involvement.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Cameron Geddes said: “This is excellent news and an example of partnership working at its best.

“With the construction labour workforce likely to remain at its peak through to 2016 this is an amazing opportunity for residents to access good quality jobs.”

More than 10,000 people are currently working on the £14.8bn project with in excess of 400 apprenticeships set to be offered during construction works.

Among the recent Crossrail vacancies include traffic marshals, steel fixers, general operators, ground-workers, dumper drivers and carpenters.

Crossrail talent and resources director Valerie Todd said: “Crossrail is working to connect local people with hundreds of job opportunities arising from our works and leave a lasting skills legacy beyond our project.

“Already, we have seen 770 unemployed people move into full time work and gain skills in an industry that pays well and has opportunities for employment on future planned infrastructure projects.”