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The Black Country Impact project is helping young adults overcome barriers to employment by providing a tailored programme, designed to help the individual build a future in a way that suits their circumstances. This includes, being provided with a key worker or mentor trained to support the young adult through their journey, support with employability and skills, advice and guidance. Support can also include help with travel, childcare and equipment, making it simple to start a job or training.
Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Since the Black Country Impact formally launched last year it has been busy building relationships with local employers, training providers and educators and is delighted to announce that hundreds of young adults are already having a difference made to their lives in Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
"I would strongly encourage both local businesses and 16 to 29 year olds across in Wolverhampton to get involved with the Black Country Impact to improve employment prospects across both the city and region."
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with neighbouring Black Country council's and Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council's Talent Match, has been designed to give young adults a depth of service that would not ordinarily be available to them. Services that include supporting and improving the young adults' employability, which is tailored to the individual and can even include personal and basic skills. The project's overall aim is to continually reduce those young adults not in education, employment or training, which ultimately will improve the local labour market.
The Black Country Impact project has only been possible due to the financial support of the European Union's European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative, and further funding through Talent Match funders, the Big Lottery Fund. In total, funders have enabled a package of up to £51 million to be made available for young adults across the Black Country.
The difference the project is making is best explained by the people that it helps. Sean, a 20 year old participant with the Wolverhampton Impact, said: "Thanks to my Wolverhampton Impact keyworker I have developed my people skills and being around people. When I was advised that Bilston Resource Centre could help me develop and learn I didn't really want to go on my own so my keyworker met me there for my first initial interview and I was glad to see a face that I knew.
"Now I have moved on to something new - a traineeship programme at Wolverhampton Homes, where I will learn more and have work experience, which will help me decide the right type of job I should be looking for."
Black Country Impact ensures that individuals like Sean have the best possible opportunity to overcome the range of barriers they face, to improve their readiness for work. This is achieved through traineeships, apprenticeships, work placements and many other options that may work for the individual.
To find out how to access Black Country Impact support or for more information please contact Wolverhampton's Impact team on 01902 554031 or e-mail Impact@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
If you are an employer and want to talk about filling current or future vacancies and how the council can support you please contact Julia Jackson on 07392 121944 or email Julia.jackson@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
- released: Thursday 19 January, 2017