£5m secured to support youth employment in the West Midlands

The West Midlands is set to receive up to £5m through the Government’s new Get Britain Working initiative, aimed at helping unemployed young people in the region secure jobs.

Announced by the Chancellor in the October budget, the nationwide programme designates the West Midlands as one of 16 trailblazer regions sharing a portion of the £240m fund.

The initiative will test new methods for boosting employment, improving existing support programmes and gathering evidence on tackling health-related economic inactivity.

As one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England, the West Midlands will specifically target young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I welcome the Get Britain Working White Paper, which emphasises the importance of an inclusive and thriving workforce to the future prosperity of our communities. Its focus on breaking down barriers to opportunity and addressing health-related economic inactivity will help redefine the future for the West Midlands.

“I’m very proud that our region will be one of the place-based trailblazers delivering the Youth Guarantee, this is a significant step forward in devolution. It acknowledges that local leaders are best placed to shape effective strategies to connect young people with good jobs, quality training, and fulfilling careers.

“By working collaboratively we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our region’s growth. This is a moment of opportunity for us to redefine how we approach employment, skills, and health – particularly as we look towards a new industrial strategy and regional growth plan.

“I’m excited to see the outcomes that these ambitious reforms will deliver for our community. Together, we can set a new benchmark and change lives across the West Midlands and beyond.”