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Productivity and Skills

We want every resident to achieve their potential

We are committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to reach their potential by providing people with the skills to obtain good jobs and careers. To do this we are focused on improving skill levels, developing better connections between residents and training offers, while also increasing employment opportunities. 

At the same time, we are working with local and national businesses to ensure that business growth is accelerated through access to a skilled workforce.

Announcement of funding - ESF - Find Your Future

View Our Plans

 

Cllr George Duggins B&W

Portfolio Holder

Councillor George Duggins

Leader of Coventry City Council

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Lead Officer

Clare Hatton

Interim Director for Employment, Skills, Health and Communities

What we're doing

Levy Transfer

We have already helped large employers transfer over £21 million of levy funding to smaller businesses in the West Midlands to help employ apprentices.

Mentoring

Through our Mayor’s Mentors scheme, more than 10,000 young people have gained access to a mentor across the region.

Construction

So far we've helped more than 2,000 people over two years, with over 50 per cent moving into employment within weeks of completing the construction course.

Adult Education

Last year we took over a £130 million Adult Education Budget for the region from central government. The funding is used to increase residents skills.
Find out what we're doing in your area

Productivity and Skills programmes

West Midlands Growth Company Staff

Adult Education Budget

We manage the region's Adult Education Budget.

Apprenticeship Fund Hockley Patterns Tooling Digital

Apprenticeship Levy Fund

We can help with apprentice training costs.

Automotive

Automotive

Ensuring the region’s automotive businesses remain competitive.

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Construction skills

We fund training for construction training schemes in the region.

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Digital skills

Our region has the fastest growing digital sector outside of London.

West Midlands Growth Company Staff (1)

Employment Support

We host in-person careers fairs and virtual skills events to help residents.

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Free Construction Retrofit Courses

We work with training providers to offer FREE construction courses.

Construction

Funding for Level 3 qualifications

We support adults to gain Level 3 skills, sought after by employers.

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Sector-based Work Academy Programmes

Opportunities for local unemployed people to learn new skills.

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Hospitality

Discover training and career opportunities in hospitality.

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Youth Offer

Advice for young people on careers, apprenticeships, training, and more.

Portway Lifestyle Centre (1)

Health and Social Care

Addressing the skills gap in health & social care across our region.

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Engineering and Manufacturing

Addressing the skills gap in Engineering and Manufacturing

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Skills Bootcamps

Find out more about our Skills Bootcamps

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Procurement for skills programmes

Learn about procurement for Skills

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ESF - Find your future

Support available to find employment

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Employer Services

Support for recruitment and training your workforce

Calculator Maths Skills

Skills for Life: Multiply Programme

Government-funded programme to help you improve your numeracy skills.

Latest from Productivity & Skills Commission

A photograph from left to right: Alex Claridge, head chef and owner of The Wilderness and the West Midland Combined Authority's night-time economy advisor; Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, Aktar Islam, owner of Opheem, and Glynn Purnell, head chef and owner of Purnell.

21 August 2023

Compass Group UK & Ireland gifts £500,000 to fund apprenticeships in West Midlands

Largest food contractor in UK and Europe will fund apprenticeships to plug hospitality gaps in the West Midlands

Jemma One

14 August 2023

Options open: Apprentices show students a different path to success

A-level results, which often determine what university students can go to, or what job they can get, will be revealed on Thursday (August 17). 

Bootcamp 11

20 April 2023

West Midlands selected as UK film and tv BFI Skills Cluster

The region is one of seven initial skills clusters which will be backed with £1 million from the BFI National Lottery Skills Fund.

See all Productivity and Skills news stories