West Midlands mayor unveils skills plan

The mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, has launched a youth employment plan aimed at creating 20,000 work experience placements, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. 

Speaking at the Learning and Work Institutes’ Employment and Skills Convention in Birmingham, the mayor shared the first phase of his plan on a regional level to align with the government’s youth guarantee.

The initial phase of the West Midlands youth employment plan offers employment advice, support services and pathways for young people in the region. The programme also includes: 

“I want the West Midlands to be the region that gives young people the best possible start in life, with good quality jobs, the support they need to feel ready for work and the ability to progress in their careers – this is why we are launching the initial phase of our West Midlands youth plan – our regional approach to delivering the national government’s youth guarantee," Parker said.

“This plan will focus on skills and employment and will include work coach support, pre-employment training in growing sectors with a guaranteed interview, as well as fully funded training up to level three and access to debt and careers advice.

“I call upon businesses and learning providers in the region to continue their work with us to open up a further 20,000 new training or work placements.”

Addressing youth unemployment in the region is crucial to closing the construction skills gap. The Construction Industry Training Board has reported that 35,600 additional construction workers will be needed in the West Midlands by 2028. 

Commenting on the new plan, Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre said: "The Mayor’s youth employment plan aligns closely with our mission to transform lives by bringing local opportunities to local people. 

“Collaboration between employers, training providers, and local authorities is essential for delivering relevant skills training that meets this goal.”