1,000 work placements created in WMCA scheme

The West Midlands Combined Authority has launched a major scheme aimed at cutting youth unemployment figures.

The project, in conjunction with charity Movement to Work, will created 1,000 work placements.

More than 30 employers including the British Army, BT, BUPA, Diageo, Marks & Spencer, Starbucks University Hospital Birmingham and the WMCA have committed to providing the placements.

They will deliver the national pilot of the Government-led Transition to Work project – which aims to support unemployed young people into work.

The national youth unemployment rate was 11.8% in February 2019, compared with 4% for the whole population. In the West Midlands, 13.1% (14,000) of young people are currently unemployed.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “Youth unemployment has proven to be a stubborn problem across the UK, but here in the West Midlands we are pioneering new approaches to help unemployed young people get into work.

“Movement to Work offers young people the chance to gain valuable work experience, with the opportunity to earn a job or apprenticeship at the end of their placement.

“We want to ensure young people have amazing opportunities to build their life here in the West Midlands, and this programme will aim to help 1,000 young adults get their foot firmly on the career ladder.”

MtW has delivered more than 80,000 work placements throughout the UK over the last five years.

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