From Personal Struggle to Professional Support
A 19-year-old from Walsall, who spent his teenage years in the care system, has turned his life experiences into a force for good, securing a role dedicated to helping other young people. Emmanuel Boamah has begun work as a Youth Participation Apprentice with Walsall Council, a position created through a major regional initiative.
His appointment is a direct result of the £5 million Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme, spearheaded by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker. The programme specifically targets 18 to 21-year-olds across the region who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), offering them paid work to build essential life skills.
Building Stability Through Service
Emmanuel entered the care system at the age of 15 and remained there for three years. He now operates from the council's youth hub, Our Place in Walsall, where he receives coaching from trained youth workers to develop his own abilities. In turn, he uses his unique perspective to assist other youngsters facing difficulties.
"Being in care doesn't offer much stability so I wanted to create my own," Emmanuel explained. "The structure of learning in school wasn't quite right for me and, alongside working through some mental health challenges, I didn't know what I should do when I left."
He credits the apprenticeship with providing the foundation he needed. "It builds on the strengths I have and gives me the opportunity to help others that might be in a similar position to what I was in," he said.
A Trailblazer Programme Changing Lives
The West Midlands is one of only eight national areas running this trailblazer scheme, which was officially launched by Mayor Richard Parker at the Our Place hub. The Mayor emphasised the core mission of the project. "I want every young person to have the chance to reach their potential and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career – that's at the heart of my 'Jobs for Everyone' mission," he stated.
He praised Walsall's pioneering efforts, adding: "It's by connecting young people like Emmanuel to local jobs and training opportunities in this way that we can change lives for the better."
Local councillor Mark Statham, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for Children's, Education and Lifelong Learning, expressed immense pride in Emmanuel's achievements. "We're very proud of Emmanuel and what he has achieved by his own merit," he said.
Cllr Statham highlighted the dual impact of the role: "His apprenticeship will offer him so many opportunities to develop knowledge and skills that will stay with him for life, and he is also a shining role model and inspiration to many of the young people he will meet."
For Emmanuel, the path is now clear. "I know now what career direction I want to go in," he affirmed. "I'm excited and looking forward to supporting others to overcome the challenges they face and get into their dream career."
His advice to other young people is rooted in resilience and connection: "It's not about the things that go wrong in your life – it's about what you do afterwards. And never waste a conversation, make links – you never know what opportunity might come up."
