Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has reached his target of creating 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities as part of his plan to tackle youth unemployment across the region.
The Mayor launched his Youth Employment Plan shortly after coming into office in May 2024, making the issue of youth unemployment one of his top priorities.
He set a target to work with businesses to create 20,000 placements by the end of his first term in office. Not only has the target been met early, the Mayor has now pledged to step up action and get even more young people into work.
He said: “We know that youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing our region, and the response from businesses to create these placements has been nothing short of phenomenal.
"By working together in this way, we've created thousands of real opportunities for our young people, helping to give them the best possible start in life.
“Employers have shown they understand the importance of opening their doors to provide meaningful placements and training that can prepare young people for the future. It also ensures they have a pipeline of upcoming talent to tap into.
“Work experience helps young people identify their strengths and get ready for the world of work. I want to continue pulling together to tackle unemployment in this region and give our young people the chance to realise their potential.”
Watch video of Mayor with apprentices taking part in an omelette making challenge
One of the 20,000 young people to benefit from the placements is Summer Osborne, aged 21 from Erdington. She has been on a commis chef apprenticeship for the last 16 months at Birmingham City Football Club, developing skills through hands-on experience and learning. Summer was supported into work through Xcelerate by Edgbaston – Compass Group UK & Ireland’s regional skills hub. The role has even given her the opportunity to work alongside celebrity chefs Glynn Purnell, Tom Kerridge, and Aktar Islam.
Summer said: “Before this, I’d been on Universal Credit since I was 16 and felt stuck. I was applying for job after job and either getting ignored or told no. After a while it really knocked my confidence.
“I came onto the programme not knowing what to expect, but it ended up changing everything. It helped me discover something I genuinely enjoy, gave me the chance to prove myself and finally find a job where I can see a future. I’m so glad I took that opportunity because it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Watch video of Summer’s interview
After being on Universal Credit for 18 months, Amia Fishley from Ladywood, Birmingham, was introduced into the Path 2 Apprenticeship via Pathway Group and now works at Edgbaston Stadium.
Amia, aged 19, said: “Being out of work for two years really knocked my confidence. Every day I was applying for jobs and hearing the same thing: not enough experience, not enough qualifications, no opportunity. After a while, you start to wonder if anyone will ever give you a chance.
"This programme changed that. They looked beyond my grades and saw my potential. It gave me the skills, confidence and belief to succeed, and today I'm a chef apprentice doing a job I genuinely love.
"I've gone from doubting myself to competing in culinary competitions and proving to myself what I'm capable of. Sometimes all someone needs is one opportunity and one person who believes in them.”
Watch video of Amia’s interview
Through its Classroom to Careers programme, Compass Group UK & Ireland is investing in earlier, preventative intervention with schools and colleges, introducing young people into meaningful work experience to reduce the risk of them becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) and are an employer that is fully on board with the Mayor’s ambition.
Jonathan Foot, director of skills & early careers, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: "Reaching 20,000 opportunities is a significant achievement and demonstrates what can be achieved when employers, educators and regional partners work together to support young people.
"At Compass, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or starting point. Hospitality offers accessible routes into work, helping people build confidence, develop transferable skills and progress into rewarding long-term careers.
"Through our Xcelerate with Edgbaston regional skills hub and Classroom to Careers programme, we are proud to work alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority, charities, training providers and employers to create meaningful pathways into employment and help ensure more young people can realise their potential."
Watch video of interview with Jonathan
The Mayor’s visit comes as the Government prepares to publish the findings of the ‘Milburn review’ – an independent report into the rising number of young people who are NEET.
With more than a million people aged 16-24 in the UK classed as NEET – the highest number in 12 years – the report, led by Alan Milburn, will make recommendations on how the challenge can be tackled head on.
The government has already said its vision is to 'guarantee two weeks' worth of work experience for every young person" in England and the Mayor has backed the Youth Guarantee.
In the West Midlands region, just over 92,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are classed as NEET.
Movement to Work has partnered with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) over the past two years to bring employers, youth organisations and communities together to create opportunities for young people in the region.
Charlotte McGrath, CEO of Movement to Work said: "Youth unemployment is a national challenge that needs local action. We're proud to have worked with the WMCA and employers and partners across the West Midlands to help deliver Mayor Richard Parker's goal to create 20,000 opportunities for young people in the region who face barriers to work.
“We work with Compass Group and other leading organisations across the West Midlands, including Accenture, Severn Trent, Tesco, Mitchells & Butlers, M&S and Diageo, to create inclusive employment pathways for young people. Together, we believe we can do even more to help young people build confidence, develop skills and take their next steps into work.
"Achieving the Mayor's goal is proof of what we can do when we work together with purpose: creating the opportunities young people deserve and building a stronger future – for the next generation, for businesses and for the West Midlands.”
For more information about the Mayor’s Youth Employment Plan visit the WMCA website.
Sydney Wall, Age 20, catering assistant apprentice from Smethwick, said: “After six months out of work, applying for jobs and getting nowhere, I felt like I had lost my confidence. "Pathways opened a door for me when I needed it most, helping me develop my CV, prepare for interviews and believe in myself.
"On completing the programme, I was offered an exciting catering assistant apprenticeship with Levy at the NEC. Since day one, I have been working alongside an amazing hospitality team across a variety of events. I have loved learning the ins and outs of event preparation, setting up hospitality spaces and helping to keep things running smoothly as part of a busy team.
"I’d encourage anyone in a similar position to stick with it, keep believing in themselves and take every opportunity that comes their way. I’ve gained a job, a career pathway and confidence in my future.”
Declan Bonefield, aged 25, hospitality assistant apprentice from Longbridge, said: “After moving to Birmingham, I spent almost a year applying for hundreds of jobs and getting nowhere, even though I had experience. It really disheartening and started to knock my confidence. I have always been really interested in Compass Group and Pathways helped me rebuild that confidence, improve my CV and get back into a routine. The programme helped me develop professional skills, refresh my industry knowledge and gain the confidence to succeed. Looking back, I only wish I’d found something like this sooner. It has put me on a career path that I’m passionate about and given me a clear direction for the future.”