West Midlands firms recognised for supporting employment prospects of young people

Two Chamber members who have “gone above and beyond” to support the employment prospects of young people are among the recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise 2026.

Sandwell College and hydraPower dynamics have received awards for promoting opportunity through social mobility after working together on a ‘Go Further’ project which helps young people into meaningful employment.

The two organisations – along with Coventry-based Evtec Automotive – are this year’s West Midlands winners and have been praised for their “innovative and unique employer partnerships giving disadvantaged young people the chance to succeed in work”.

Sandwell College delivers academic, vocational, and technical education and is the largest Further Education College in the West Midlands - working with over 13,000 young people, apprentices and adults each year across three colleges and seven campuses in Sandwell and Birmingham.

CEO and principal Lisa Capper said: “This award reflects the strength of our commitment to enabling young people to succeed and progress no matter what their background or starting point.

“Our ‘Go Further’ project with hydraPower dynamics has shown the power of partnership in getting young people into good jobs in industry through our shared passion for transforming opportunity for all young people from Sandwell and across the region.

“Together we are creating innovative pathways into industry, raising aspirations, and growing the pipeline of vital skills for the future and reinforces the impact that true collaboration can achieve.”

Established in 1983, hydrapower Dynamics is a Birmingham-based manufacturer of fluid handling systems incorporating hoses, manipulated tubes and fabricated assemblies.​

Managing director of hydraPower dynamics Patrick Browne, said: “Receiving this award is a proud moment for everyone at hydraPower Dynamics.

“It recognises not only our long- standing commitment to manufacturing excellence, but also the progress we have made in supporting skills development through education.

“Our partnership with Sandwell College has been particularly important, creating real opportunities for students to gain high-quality training and move into meaningful employment.

“This award reinforces the value of that collaboration and our ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of talent.”

Nationally, there are 185 recipients in the 2026 awards with 75 receiving an award for international trade, 52 in innovation, 36 in sustainable development and 22 for promoting opportunity.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson (pictured), said: “Evtec Automotive, hydraPower dynamics and Sandwell College have all recognised the great benefits of engaging with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to improve their skills, employability, and job prospects.

“All three have gone above and beyond in their support of the next generation – and I congratulate each of them on their great achievement.”