We are committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to reach their potential by providing people with the skills to obtain good jobs and careers. To do this we are focused on improving skill levels, developing better connections between residents and training offers, while also increasing employment opportunities.
At the same time, we are working with local and national businesses to ensure that business growth is accelerated through access to a skilled workforce.
View our plan
Lead Officer
Helene Dearn
Director of Employment, Skills, Health and Communities
What we're doing
Adult Education
Talent
Employment
Apprenticeship Levy
Employment and Skills Our Programmes
Youth Employment Plan
Our flagship plan for youth unemployment in the West Midlands.
Adult Education Budget
We manage the region's Adult Education Budget.
Apprenticeships
Earn as you learn with an apprenticeship.
Automotive
Ensuring the region’s automotive businesses remain competitive.
Construction skills
We fund training for construction training schemes in the region.
Digital skills
Our region has the fastest growing digital sector outside of London.
Employment Support
We host in-person careers fairs and virtual skills events to help residents.
Funding for Level 3 qualifications
We support adults to gain Level 3 skills, sought after by employers.
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes
Opportunities for local unemployed people to learn new skills.
Hospitality
Discover training and career opportunities in hospitality.
Youth Offer
Advice for young people on careers, apprenticeships, training, and more.
Health and Social Care
Addressing the skills gap in health & social care across our region.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Addressing the skills gap in Engineering and Manufacturing
Skills Bootcamps
Find out more about our Skills Bootcamps
Procurement for skills programmes
Learn about procurement for Skills
Employer Services
Support for recruitment and training your workforce
Skills for Life: Multiply Programme
Government-funded programme to help you improve your numeracy skills.
Blogs: Employment and Skills
Read the latest blogs from a variety of contributors
Employment, Skills, Health & Communities Insights
Monthly data packs from across the region.
Adult Learning Awards
The Adult Learning Awards shine a light on learners, tutors, employers and providers.
Latest from Employment and Skills
16 October 2024
Foundations being laid for Birmingham's new HS2 railway station
Mayor of the West Midlands sees work start first of 2,000 vertical concrete columns to support Curzon Street Station
14 March 2024
West Midlands to kick off DWP trailblazer trial of new simplified benefits system to help young people into work
Pilot scheme will test whether test a simpler benefits system encourages and enables young people to work whilst also feeling the benefit of their...