City & Guilds is a UK vocational education organisation offering over 500 qualifications across range of industry sectors and Armitt will take over from Michael Howell as chairman of the Council and of the Trustee Board when he is formally elected in October 2012.

"I am delighted to be nominated as chairman of City & Guilds," said the 65-year-old Armitt, who is also the chairman of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, a role he has held since April 2007.

"I believe in the importance of vocational education in supporting UK plc - a workforce that is fit for purpose is central to the achievement of sustainable economic growth.

"At this critical juncture for the UK economy, City & Guilds plays a vital role in supporting employers' continued investment in their staff."

Armitt has been chairman of the ODA since 2007 and therefore responsible for delivering the infrastructure for the London 2012 Games including all the stadia and other facilities.

Armitt has been widely praised for his role in leading the £8 billion ($13 billion/€9 billion) construction and delivery programme will all venues having been delivered on time and on budget.

"On behalf of the Trustees and Council, I am delighted that John has agreed to accept this nomination," said Howell.

"John is the perfect candidate to support City & Guilds on its exciting path of growth and diversification while raising the profile of vocational education both nationally and internationally."

Chris Jones, director general of City & Guilds, added: "On behalf of the Management Board we are extremely pleased that John has agreed to accept this nomination.

"His professional track-record is truly impressive and we are looking forward to working with him."

Before becoming ODA chairman, Armitt was chief executive of Network Rail from 2001 until 2007 and was chief executive of Costain from 1997 until 2001.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and during the 1990s oversaw the planning and financing of the Channel Tunnel high speed rail lLink.

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