Employers confirm 13,000 pledges to give young people crucial work experience and training

Employers have pledged almost 13,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities as part of West Midlands mayor Richard Parker’s drive to get young people into good careers.

Working with local business and partners to create 20,000 work experience placements, training opportunities and apprenticeships over the next three years is a key part of the mayor’s Growth Plan which sets out a blueprint for re-igniting the regional economy.

The employer pledges mean the mayor is on the way to achieving his target which is a key pillar of his flagship Youth Employment Plan which he launched 12 months ago.

Rising youth unemployment is a national issue, but it is double the national average in some areas such as Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham –with around 28,000 young people classed as unemployed across the region.

The mayor’s Growth Plan sets out a bold vision to transform the region’s £77 billion economy by creating 93,000 good quality, well-paid job opportunities for people over the next ten years.

Mr Parker said: “I’m pleased we’ve now secured even more training and work experience pledges from employers across the West Midlands. We’re making a real difference every day.

“This is what our Growth Plan in action looks like. We’re backing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive, while helping local firms grow the talent they need.

“By connecting people to good jobs in the region’s fastest-growing sectors, we’re not just changing lives - we’re building our economy.”

Over the next three years the mayor will deliver a guarantee for all young people across the region to be able to access training, education, careers guidance and other forms of support so they can take their first step towards work.

PTP Training has committed to providing more than a hundred placements this year, with over half already completed. 

Ian Bailey, operations manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce member Performance Through People said: "Every great engineer starts with a single step and in Daniels case this was with our Pathway to Apprenticeship program.

“When a learner steps into an apprenticeship, they’re not only gaining skills, but they are also building confidence, unlocking potential, and shaping the future of the engineering industry." 

The WMCA has invested £7.5m over three years into a Path 2 Apprenticeships programme which helps young people decide whether an apprenticeship is the right route for them to gain employment.

The mayor’s Growth Plan includes £30m to provide support for bold, local skills initiatives.

Pictured: Apprentice Daniel Harte with mayor Richard Parker