Employers across the West Midlands have committed to providing thousands of training placements in a major regional effort to combat the area's high youth unemployment rate.
A Regional Response to Youth Unemployment
New figures released by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) reveal that businesses have already made 16,000 work experience, apprenticeship, and training placements available to young people. This initiative forms part of West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker's Youth Plan, which he launched last summer with an ambitious target.
The plan aims to create a total of 20,000 opportunities for young people over the next three years. Mayor Parker highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting there are approximately 29,000 young people currently classed as unemployed in the West Midlands region.
Tackling a Disproportionate Challenge
Critically, the youth unemployment rate in the West Midlands is double the national average in some areas, with cities like Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Walsall being particularly affected.
"We're backing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to get started in an exciting career and set themselves up for life," stated Mr Parker. He emphasised the mutual benefit of the scheme, adding, "This is a win-win as we're also helping local firms secure the vital talent they need to grow. By connecting people to good jobs, we're not just changing individual lives – we're strengthening our communities and securing our region's future prosperity."
Real Stories from the Front Line
The WMCA is collaborating with the organisation Movement to Work to connect firms with young people not in employment, education, or training. This partnership has already yielded success stories.
For instance, the scheme helped the restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers join the Diageo Learning for Life programme, which provides qualifications and practical work experience. Mayor Parker recently met with young participants at the All Bar One venue in Brindley Place, Birmingham.
One participant, 18-year-old Tamara Pinnock from Bartley Green, shared her experience. "I have never been very academic but managed to get through school and started thinking about a career in hospitality," she said. "Work experience and training are like stepping stones that help to build you up. I'm hoping it leads to a career in mixology."
Another young person, 21-year-old Shane Masters from Weoley Castle, explained how the programme helped him find direction after a previous college course didn't work out. "I had been looking for a job for two years and it's disappointing when you complete lots of application forms and don't hear back. Getting work experience has helped me to find my direction," he said, adding that the programme is perfect for boosting confidence and establishing a crucial first link with an employer.
The concerted effort by local government and the business community signals a strong, coordinated push to provide a brighter future for the region's young workforce and bolster the local economy.
