A new website to help adults find training, education and job opportunities in the West Midlands has been launched. The Find Your Future website has been set up to support those looking to get into work or seeking to change career and offers practical advice on the range of options available to improve their skills or find work.
People always say it is too hard to find the right training so this website, helps people to cut through the wide range of options available to find the opportunities that are right for them.
It includes the courses funded by the £140m West Midlands adult education budget as well as support for study, training, job hunting, CV and job interview advice.
There’s also information on getting involved in volunteering, starting a business or exploring career options; as well as support for special needs and mental health concerns.
Whether people are looking for work or a career change generally or following the end of furlough there is something for everyone. It will highlight those sectors, such as the hospitality industry, with high vacancy rates and provide information on new areas of job
growth like tech.
Training and Job Opportunities
Find Your Future was created by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with social enterprise Youth Employment UK and is targeted at over 19s in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.
Earlier this year Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “It is imperative that we support people in gaining skills and getting back into work following the pandemic and the end of furlough. With the support of local authorities, colleges and employers across the West Midlands, the WMCA are doing all we can to make that happen, with a focus on the provision of quality jobs with long-term prospects.
“I have set out a plan to create 100,000 jobs lost during the pandemic and this includes training for people to secure opportunities in the high growth areas of our economy such as digital, green industry, construction and healthcare as well as areas with high vacancy rates like HGV driving and hospitality.
“WMCA has also partnered with well-established organisations whose purpose is to improve diversity, inclusion and the life chances of some of the most disadvantaged communities in the region.”
Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills, said: “The region has been hit hard by the pandemic and the end of furlough may see a further impact on jobs. But we are determined to use our adult education budget to help people back into work quickly.
“There are training and job opportunities available, both to fill current vacancies and get the skills of the future. The Find your Future website is the first port of call for anyone in the West Midlands looking for employment, education and training.”
Opportunities in the West Midlands
Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK said “Once again WMCA are leading the way in helping people in their communities access training, support and employment opportunities in the local area. We know that it can be difficult to navigate all of the information and opportunities at a local level and so this portal will provide a great one-stop- shop to people across WMCA who want to find their future, get on and get ahead.
“There are literally thousands of opportunities to connect with and the portal will help everyone explore what is next.”
Jobs, and placement and training opportunities available within ‘Find Your Future’ shine a light on the growth sectors in the West Midlands such as logistics, rail, construction, digital, and health and social care, with thanks to major employers located within the region. For more information visit www.youthemployment.org.uk/find-your-future.
Notes to Editors
About WMCA
Led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the WMCA brings together 18 local councils and three Local Enterprise Partnerships to oversee the transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to the West Midlands. The WMCA is putting these new powers from government back where they belong, in local hands, bringing the region together to build a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous West Midlands. Billions of pounds are being invested by the WMCA to improve the region’s transport network, transform its derelict industrial land into new homes and workplaces, support existing businesses and help grow the innovative, green industries of the future. At the heart of this vision is a strong economy that is both green and inclusive, one that supports the region’s ambition to be net zero carbon by 2041 and offers everyone the opportunity of a good quality, affordable home and the skills needed for a worthwhile job. Find out more about WMCA at www.wmca.org.uk.
About Youth Employment UK
Youth Employment UK is an independent, not for profit social enterprise founded in 2012 to tackle youth unemployment. As experts on youth employment and unemployment, Youth Employment UK are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, educators, employers and policy makers. Find out more about Youth Employment UK at www.youthemployment.org.uk.
