More than 55,000 people upskilled as Mayor tackles unemployment in the region

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has hit his ambitious target to give at least 55,000 people vital job skills or training during his first year in office.

The Mayor set the target after being elected in May last year as part of his commitment to help thousands move into work, change careers or upskill – in sectors like construction, digital and green industries. 

In some areas of the region unemployment is double the national average and with over 27,700 young people claiming unemployment related benefits, upskilling and creating job opportunities is a key priority for growth.

The Mayor said: “From day one my priority has been to work with partners to open up meaningful training opportunities to help people land work or better jobs and change thousands of lives for the better.

“I set a target to upskill 55,000 people in my first year to start building the skilled workforce our region needs to grow and thrive.

“We’ve hit that milestone but we won’t stop there, more needs to be done to reduce unemployment, especially for our young people.”

The Mayor said new devolved powers and funding would bring an even bigger push to build a better-equipped workforce.

Tackling unemployment, especially among young people, is one of the Mayor’s key priorities. Last year he launched a pledge to create 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship placements to support his drive.

By working with employers and training providers, 6,500 places have already been pledged for young people across the region.

The Mayor’s ‘Jobs for Everyone’ priority involves investing in jobs, skills, training and apprenticeships so that everyone has the opportunity to secure a job that pays well.

Harry Scolding, aged 22, from Solihull, previously met with the Mayor and told him about his own career path of pursuing a vocational route and then securing a joiner apprenticeship after leaving school. 

He completed first Level 2 and then Level 3 in Architectural Bench Joinery Apprenticeship at Solihull College & University Centre giving him the skills and experience he needed to set up his own company - HDS Joinery.

Alongside running his business, Harry was selected to represent Team UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 (also known as the ‘Skills Olympics’) due to his exceptional skills, finishing second in his category.

Thanks to its continued support, Harry has now contracted two more Solihull College students to support his flourishing business.

"It’s nice to be able to give something back to young people who are as passionate as I am and watch them grow,” he said.

“Once I got into Solihull College and my tutors saw the passion in me, they pushed me to enter the skills competitions and gave me that confidence to go forward with my career, so I have to give them credit for that.

“It was a dream of mine growing up as a young kid to have control over what work I do.

“I’ve been able to grow my business and expand my workshop with two part-time workers which is fantastic, and completely mind-blowing, as I’ve had some massive projects, including on some new build homes in Knowle."

Kundai Nazare, aged 25, now an apprentice commis chef at Compass Group UK & Ireland, secured his position by completing a WMCA funded Path 2 Apprenticeship programme – designed to support people into work - held at Compass Groups UK & Ireland’s regional community skills and learning hub, Xcelerate with Edgbaston.

Kundai said: “Path 2 Apprenticeships helped to guide me through the process and understand what skills I needed to become a chef. The programme linked me up with the team at Compass Group UK & Ireland and the Xcelerate Hub, which has meant I’ve secured the role of apprentice commis chef. I now have the chance to be right at the heart of the kitchen - where I belong.”

To find out more about the Mayor’s Youth Plan and employer pledge visit: Youth Employment Plan

For more about the support available from the WMCA for adults looking to improve their skills and careers prospects visit the website: Employment and Skills