The charity setting up Rainham’s newest college has asked popstar will.i.am to give his backing to the venture.

A letter has been sent to the former Black Eyed Peas singer asking him to lend his support to the new East London University Technical College (ELUtec) being set-up at the Centre for Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (CEME) in Marsh Way.

CEME chief executive Bill Williams wrote that the college, for 14 to 19-year-olds will serve “areas of London that for too long now have been an employment desert with job opportunities for school leavers in very short supply”.

He continued: “Our raison d’etre is to train these previously ‘dead end’ kids in technical skills that will help them into good jobs and careers, and away from the downward spiral of waste and despair.

“One of the biggest challenges we face in launching this vital project is in raising awareness of what we are doing among youngsters in east London.

“I am asking for nothing from you except your interest, moral support, and perhaps, further down the line, a very small amount of your time.”

ELUtec is due to open in September 2014.