Mitie employees are participating in the London Revolution cycle challenge to raise money for its charity partner City Gateway.

More than 350 staff are taking part in the event, which will see up to 2,500 cyclists ride 180 miles around London over two days.

The charity helps young people in London by offering training, mentoring and opportunities for apprenticeships with employers. Mitie is taking on 12 apprentices and pledging to raise £50,000 for City Gateway.

Mitie has 70,000 employees in the UK and Europe. The charity partnership and the bike ride also aims to provide resources and incentives for Mitie staff to think about their individual physical and mental health.

The London Revolution cycle challenge is run by Threshold Sports, which is led by Olympic champion James Cracknell.

Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive at Mitie, said: “It is very important that companies like Mitie, which employ so many, do what they can to help young unemployed people get the skills and opportunities they need.

“Mitie already has several long-running apprentice schemes and we look forward to partnering closely with City Gateway to help young adults kick-start their lives and secure employment.”

Eddie Stride, chief executive officer at City Gateway, added: “City Gateway is delighted to be partnering with Mitie to create apprenticeship opportunities.

“We are also very grateful for Mitie’s financial support for the critical work we do supporting young people into employment and positive futures. Partnerships like this can start to make a real difference to youth unemployment in our city.”

Cracknell said: “We’re delighted to have Mitie on board as title sponsor and it’s great that they’ve chosen to support City Gateway.

“Community involvement is at the heart of the [bike] ride and City Gateway will be a key part of the event.”