West Midlands Mayor launches plan to tackle youth unemployment
20,000 learning and work opportunities will be created.
Last updated 10th Jul 2024
A plan to create 20,000 training, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for young people has been set out by the Mayor of the West Midlands.
Youth unemployment in the region is double the national average in some areas, including Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
The offer will also include:
- Pre-employment training in the region's fastest growing sectors and green skills, with a guaranteed interview, like the Path 2 Apprenticeship programme underway
- Dedicated work coach support for young people who are out of work
- Fully-funded training, up to level 3, to help young people develop the skills needed for work
- Access to mental and physical health support, including talking therapies.
- Building on existing youth hubs to provide all young people with access to a range of support and services, including debt and careers advice.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker said: “I want the West Midlands to be the region that gives young people the best possible start in life, with good quality jobs, the support they need to feel ready for work and the ability to progress in their careers – this is why we are launching the initial phase of our West Midlands youth plan – our regional approach to delivering the national government’s youth guarantee.
“This plan will focus on skills and employment and will include work coach support, pre-employment training in growing sectors with a guaranteed interview, as well as fully funded training up to level three and access to debt and careers advice.
“I call upon businesses and learning providers in the region to continue their work with us to open up a further 20,000 new training or work placements.
“Let’s work together to make the West Midlands a model for the nation by investing in our youth and therefore investing in our future.
“We are already supporting young unemployed people get into apprenticeships with our Path 2 Apprenticeship programme in which we have invested £7.5m to support 3,300 young people over three years."
Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre said: "The Mayor’s youth employment plan aligns closely with our mission to transform lives by bringing local opportunities to local people. Collaboration between employers, training providers, and local authorities is essential for delivering relevant skills training that meets this goal.
Rob Perrins, Chief Executive of Berkeley Group, said: “We are proud to support the youth unemployment plan for the West Midlands. Social mobility is a key priority for our business and, like the Mayor, we believe every young person should have the opportunities and support they need to secure a good job and a rewarding career.
“This far-reaching plan will improve the life chances for many more young people across the region and we look forward to playing our part alongside our fantastic local partners including the WMCA, Birmingham City Council and The Skills Centre.”
Jake Collins, 21 from West Bromwich is a young learner, who has been supported through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s adult education and training programmes.
As a full time carer for his mom from the age of 13, Jake missed out on getting formal education leaving school with just one GCSE.
After sadly losing his mom aged 20 and despite feeling isolated, Jake was encouraged by the job centre to join a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) with training at Sandwell College, which led to him securing a full-time role as Ward Service Officer at Sandwell Hospital.
His success was acknowledged by the Mayor last week, when he won an Adult Learning Award for Step into Learning.
Jake said: “I did this course because I wanted to do something with my life and make my mom proud. I knew I wanted to work in the hospital because I had spent so much time there with my mom and wanted to help people.
“Having gained a Level 1 certificate in Health and Safety, I was offered a full-time role as a Ward Service Officer. I am so much more confident now. I feel like my life has changed more than I ever thought it would.
"It is good to be in work as I have a nice group of people to work with and feel like I have a purpose every day. I want to progress in the job and take on more courses and qualifications to help me.”