West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says a brand-new Youth Hub in Solihull will help young jobseekers access improved employment support and opportunities in their area.
Mr Street, who head the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), visited the new hub to celebrate its opening and urged local people to use the ‘fantastic facility’.
The Mayor said: “I was so pleased to be able to go to Solihull and celebrate the opening of the Solihull Youth Hub.
“As someone who grew up in Solihull, it was great see this fantastic facility helping local young people take advantage of the opportunities we are creating across the region.
“Working together with partners like Solihull Council and the DWP – as well as big local employers such as JLR and Birmingham Airport – this friendly and accessible space will change lives by providing opportunities for young people, right here in Chelmsley Wood and across the borough.
“Young people were amongst the hardest hit by impact of COVID-19, so it’s vital we help them find work as part of my 100k Mayoral jobs plan. Youth Hubs have a key part to play in this, to help provide a pathway into work for young people, and I would strongly encourage people to take advantage of this brilliant new facility and the all the support and guidance on offer.”
The new hub offers advice and support to young people aged 16-29 who are leaving school, college or university, unemployed or at risk of losing their job.
This is one of eight Youth Hubs being set up in the region as part of the Youth Offer that the WMCA has developed with Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, local employers and the voluntary sector.
The Hub shares spaces with partners including colleges, charities, training providers and Solihull Council and is part of the Solihull Recruitment and Training Centre (SRTC) which was set up in 2019.
Since re-opening after the pandemic the team has secured employment or training for 90 people and supported over 200 unemployed young people.