From fighting hackers with the latest cyber security techniques to programming robots, from learning a construction trade to gaining advanced manufacturing skills – the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is running a number of roadshows this month to inspire people to train for an exciting new career.
The roadshows are for unemployed people and those wanting to get a better job, and aim to explain what training courses are on offer in the West Midlands as the WMCA takes control of the region’s £126m adult education budget (AEB).
The events in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall will feature colleges, training providers and job advisors, and will be jam-packed with information to help people access training, find work or plot a path to a better career.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of WMCA, said: “The West Midlands is the growth capital of the UK, boasting booming industries and an expanding economy. But it is no secret that we are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers.
“By taking control of the £126m adult education budget, the WMCA can help tackle both unemployment and this skills shortage by creating genuine work opportunities for local people, providing the training and qualifications that employers want and need.
“We have already launched the Beat the Bots fund to help workers at risk of automation, pledged to help train those with English as a second language, and highlighted the £25m investment we’ll make in new approaches to work-based training through the AEB. Now we want people to find out how our investment could change their lives.
“These roadshows will give people the opportunity to do just that, providing all the necessary information and advice to get a great career in a growing industry in the West Midlands, or, for those already in work, they are a great way to find training to boost skills and advance careers.”
The roadshows will focus on the region’s fastest-growing economies, including digital, construction, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and business and professional services, offering advice on what qualifications are needed to get jobs in these sectors, and how to access the training required.
Staff from local colleges and training providers will also be on hand to provide advice on training to help you get a job if you’re unemployed, ways to improve your skills to give you better career opportunities if you’re working, and what specialist training is available to give you the skills for a particular job or trade.
Cllr George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills, said: “These roadshows will be full of useful information to help you find a job, or get training to get a better job.
“We want to ensure the £126m adult education budget makes a real difference by enabling more people to get jobs or improve their earnings. I’d encourage people to come along to these roadshows to find out what help is on offer for them.”
The following roadshows are taking place this month:
Maitland Hall, 550 Washwood Heath Road, Washwood Heath. B8 2HF
Whitehall Centre, Weston Street, Caldmore. WS1 4EQ
Part of Walsall Works Employ Your Skills Event. Please register to attend.
Careers Expo Marquee, Sandwell Valley Park, Salter's Lane, West Bromwich. B71 4BG
Part of the SHAPE Youth Festival
The Job Shop, 1 The Bull Yard, Coventry. CV1 1LH
Brier Fair (Marquee), Cottage Street, Brierley Hill. DY5 1RE
Part of the Brier Fair
For more information, visit: www.wmca.org.uk/events
