£51m funding for Black Country skills project

A TWO-YEAR project that will address the barriers faced by unemployed people under 30 will be supported by funding of up to £51m.

The Black Country Impact project is a partnership between the four councils and Black Country Talent Match. It has had a funding bid approved by the Department of Work and Pensions for £34m of European Union funding, matched by £8m from the Big Lottery Fund. Further funding from partners will create the £51m Impact programme.           

The project is designed to give people “the most flexible and personalised learning and support possible” that will help them address their different personal and skills needs so they can find employment.

Cllr Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, said: “There can be no doubt that these are challenging times for some young adults in the Black Country. Through the Black Country Impact we are determined to tackle the barriers that may be preventing some young adults from becoming all they can.

“Impact is able to provide a depth of service that would not be achievable for our young adults by any other means currently available. Through specialised services ranging from coaching to managed work placements, Impact work will ultimately give our young adults the best employability prospects for the future, benefiting them and our communities.”