West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced that his Youth Employment Plan has achieved its target of creating 20,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities. The pledge was made shortly after his election in 2024, with the aim of reaching the figure by the end of his first term.
Parker confirmed the milestone has now been reached and said he intends to continue efforts to get more young people into employment across the region.
Mayor praises business response
Speaking about the achievement, Parker 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."
He added: "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."
The mayor also highlighted the benefits for businesses, noting that the scheme "ensures they have a pipeline of upcoming talent to tap into". He described work experience as a way to help young people "identify their strengths and get ready for the world of work".
Apprentices share their stories
Summer Osborne, 21, from Erdington, has been on a commis chef apprenticeship at Birmingham City FC for the past 16 months. She was supported into the role through Xcelerate by Edgbaston, Compass Group UK Ireland's regional skills hub, and has worked alongside celebrity chefs Glynn Purnell, Tom Kerridge and Aktar Islam.
Osborne 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."
She continued: "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."
Amia Fishley, 19, from Ladywood, had been on Universal Credit for 18 months before starting a Path 2 Apprenticeship via Pathway Group. She now works at Edgbaston Stadium as a chef apprentice.
From doubt to culinary competitions
Fishley 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."
She added: "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."
Fishley said she has "gone from doubting myself to competing in culinary competitions and proving to myself what I'm capable of", adding: "Sometimes all someone needs is one opportunity and one person who believes in them."
Parker said he wants to "continue pulling together to tackle unemployment in this region and give our young people the chance to realise their potential" as the programme moves forward.
