Budding mechanic one of hundreds of unemployed young people supported by Youth Trailblazer Fund

When he was at school, Ben Challice only wanted to do one thing in life – to be a car mechanic. 

Yet despite his love of cars he was struggling to get the real-world, hands-on experience he needed to get his career started. 

Now, after being unemployed for several months, 19-year-old Ben has landed his dream job thanks to the Mayor of the West Midlands’ Youth Trailblazer Fund. 

Ben is one of more than 1,500 young people to have benefitted over the last year from the Fund’s work experience placements and other help in finding work. 

And Mayor Richard Parker has already secured a further £5m for the Fund so hundreds more young people can get the support they need to get a job and get on in life. 

The Fund is one of several support schemes the Mayor has established across the West Midlands to tackle youth unemployment. The region has the UK’s third highest rate of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET). 

The Mayor said: "Youth unemployment remains a real challenge and tackling it is a key part of my West Midlands Works Plan.  

“Two years ago I called on businesses to sign up to my employer pledge to create 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities. The response has been incredible, and Ben is just one of those young people who have benefited. 

“Often all it takes for young people to get on in life is the right support at the right time. Our Youth Trailblazer will continue backing our talented young people to overcome the barriers they face and find meaningful work.”  

Ben, from Chelmsley Wood, was supported by the Employment and Skills Team from Solihull Council, one of the local authorities that have been working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to deliver the Trailblazer programme. 

His story is being shared to highlight Youth Employment Week 2026 which this year runs from 6th to 10th July and celebrates opportunities for young people across the UK. 

Although he held a Level 2 qualification in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Ben lacked hands-on work experience and was struggling to secure a job. 

During a three-week placement as a light vehicle technician with local BMW and Mini specialists, Rehal Autohaus, Ben’s enthusiasm and manner quickly impressed the team, leading to permanent role as an apprentice. He will also soon be working towards his Level 3 qualification in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. 

Ben said: “I knew from the age of 15 that I wanted to be a mechanic – it has been my dream.  

“After I did my Level 2 qualification, I thought it would be easier to get a job and I applied for lots of positions but couldn’t get anywhere because I didn’t have any experience. I just didn’t know what to do and I thought I was going to have a mental breakdown.  

“When I found out about this three-week placement at Rehal Autohaus from Lucy at Solihull Council, I jumped at the chance.  

“The team wants to see me progress, and they listen to my ideas. I feel more confident and resilient. I want to say a big thank you. I really don’t know where I would be without this opportunity.” 

Colleagues at Rehal Autohaus, which is owned by Tej Rehal and managed by Amar Rehal – father and son – have praised Ben’s development since joining. 

Amar said: “Ben has integrated incredibly well into the team. As a BMW and Mini specialist, the technical barrier to entry is high, so we are currently focusing on his foundation skills before he transitions into the formal apprenticeship framework when he will learn about more intricate systems.  

“Ben is working with us full-time to build ‘shop floor’ competency, including workshop health and safety practices, assisting with routine maintenance procedures such as services and wear and tear item replacements. 

“He has had the opportunity to get familiar with new and old engines while learning from two Senior Technicians, Rob and Mo, during more complex mechanical and electrical repairs. 

“We see great potential in Ben, and the support from this grant has enabled us to open up a door for him.  

“We hope this support can continue for potential future employees, allowing us to provide high-level, specialist one-on-one training to prepare them for formal qualifications. 

“Being part of the Trailblazer programme is an opportunity for us to create sustainable employment opportunities for local young people as well as address the growing shortage of skilled mechanics in the automotive industry.”

Councillor Heather Delaney, Solihull Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Skills, said: “From speaking with residents, we know that it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to secure their first job, even when they have the right skills and qualifications.  

“What they often need is support to connect with the right employers, and that’s exactly what our team has been able to achieve through the Youth Trailblazer programme. We are proud to be supporting our young people as they take their first steps into the world of work.” 

The West Midlands is one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England that secured funding to help get NEETs into work. 

For more information about the Mayor’s Youth Employment Plan and to sign up to his Employer Pledge, visit the WMCA website.