WMCA roadshows to showcase job and training opportunities
Published: Friday 21 Jun 2019
From fighting hackers with the latest cyber security techniques to programming robots, from learning a construction trade to gaining advanced manufacturing skills - the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is running a number of roadshows to inspire people to train for an exciting new career.
The roadshows are aimed at unemployed people and those wanting to get a better job, and aim to explain what training courses are on offer in the West Midlands as the WMCA takes control of the region's £126m adult education budget.
The roadshows will feature colleges, training providers and job advisors, and will be jam-packed with information to help people access training, find work or plot a path to a better career. Events are due to take place during June and July in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The West Midlands is the growth capital of the UK, boasting booming industries and an expanding economy. But it is no secret that we are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: The West Midlands is the growth capital of the UK, boasting booming industries and an expanding economy. But it is no secret that we are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers.
By taking control of the £126m adult education budget, the WMCA can help tackle both unemployment and this skills shortage by creating genuine work opportunities for local people, providing the training and qualifications that employers want and need.
We have already launched the Beat the Bots fund to help workers at risk of automation, pledged to help train those with English as a second language, and highlighted the £25m investment we'll make in new approaches to work-based training through the AEB. Now we want people to find out how our investment could change their lives.
These roadshows will give people the opportunity to do just that, providing all the necessary information and advice to get a great career in a growing industry in the West Midlands, or, for those already in work, they are a great way to find training to boost skills and advance careers
The roadshows will focus on the region's fastest-growing economies, including digital, construction, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and business and professional services, offering advice on what qualifications are needed to get jobs in these sectors, and how to access the training required.
Staff from local colleges and training providers will also be on hand to provide advice on training to help you get a job if you're unemployed, ways to improve your skills to give you better career opportunities if you're working, and what specialist training is available to give you the skills for a particular job or trade.
Cllr George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills, said: These roadshows will be full of useful information to help you find a job, or get training to get a better job.
We want to ensure the £126m adult education budget makes a real difference by enabling more people to get jobs or improve their earnings. I'd encourage people to come along to these roadshows to find out what help is on offer for them
Seven roadshows have been organised in June and July across the WMCA area. They are:
- Wolverhampton - Saturday 29 June 2019, 10am to 1pm
WMCA Exhibition Bus, Whitmore Reans Library Car Park, Off Newhampton Road West, Wolverhampton. WV6 0QW
Part of the Whitmore Reans Connect Summer Party
- Solihull - Thursday 4 July 2019, 2pm to 6pm
The Junction, 100 Chapelhouse Road, Chelmsley Wood. B37 5HA
- Birmingham - Wednesday 10 July 2019, 12pm to 5pm
Maitland Hall, 550 Washwood Heath Road, Washwood Heath. B8 2HF
- Walsall - Friday 12 July 2019, 9am to 1pm
Whitehall Centre, Weston Street, Caldmore. WS1 4EQ
Part of Walsall Works Employ Your Skills Event. Please register to attend.
- Sandwell - Saturday 13 July 2019, 11am to 5pm
Careers Expo Marquee, Sandwell Valley Park, Salter's Lane, West Bromwich. B71 4BG
Part of the SHAPE Youth Festival
- Coventry - Wednesday 17 July 2019, 2pm to 6pm
The Job Shop, 1 The Bull Yard, Coventry. CV1 1LH
- Dudley - Saturday 20 July 2019, 9am to 4pm
Brier Fair (Marquee), Cottage Street, Brierley Hill. DY5 1RE
Part of the Brier Fair
For more information, visit: www.wmca.org.uk/events