More than 43,000 individuals across the West Midlands have gained essential job skills over the last eight months, providing them with the tools needed for future facing industries like digital, data, and AI. This initiative also supports the green transition, focusing on electrification and retrofitting, while addressing critical shortages in sectors such as construction, health, and logistics.
A Step Towards Tackling Youth Unemployment
Top regions with highest youth unemployment East Midlands: 18.7%, North East: 17.9%, West Midlands: 17.5% (ONS 2024). Mayor Richard Parker has emphasised that tackling youth unemployment is a key priority. The region’s youth unemployment rate is double the national average, and with the launch of his ‘Jobs for Everyone’ initiative, there has been significant progress in providing young people with the skills they need to enter the workforce. The Mayor’s efforts focus on creating fully funded training opportunities, apprenticeships, and more.
Skills for Emerging Sectors
The West Midlands is taking proactive steps to address the skills gap in it’s rapidly growing sectors. These include digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and the green economy, particularly in electrification and retrofitting. The Mayor’s Youth Plan focuses on pre-employment training in these fields, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to thrive in the region’s high tech, green economy.
Investing in People and Partnerships
Over £700 million has been invested since 2019 into the region’s workforce development, which includes training courses, boot camps, and pre-apprenticeship programs. These investments are vital to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting both high tech industries and essential sectors like healthcare and logistics.
Creating 20,000 Opportunities for Young People
A core focus of the Youth Plan is to create 20,000 work experience placements, training opportunities, and apprenticeships. The WMCA has already secured over 5,300 positions through partnerships with local employers and training providers, and there is a strong emphasis on personalised support for young people through work coaches.
Government Support for Youth Employment
The West Midlands is also benefiting from up to £5 million in funding through the government’s new Get Britain Working Trailblazer initiative. This funding aims to support young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and help them transition into work, with additional focus on career progression and learning opportunities.
How Employers Can Get Involved
Employers are encouraged to contribute to the Mayor’s pledge to create 20,000 opportunities for young people in the region. By visiting the Youth Employment Plan, businesses can learn how to sign up and create meaningful opportunities for the region’s youth. For adults looking to enhance their careers, more resources are available on the Employment and Skills website.
Drew Currie, CEO of iSE
“The future of our communities is created by the opportunities we create today. By investing in entrepreneurship, talent, skills, and growth, we can create the ideal conditions to a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for everyone.”