New West Midlands scheme to boost jobs and training for 18–21-year-olds kicks off in Walsall
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A new West Midlands programme promising to connect hundreds of 18 to 21-year-olds with jobs and training opportunities launched in Walsall last week.
Named the ‘West Midlands Youth Trailblazer’, the £5m scheme promises to find creative and innovative ways for young people to access meaningful work and will equip them with skills they need for life.
The region is one of eight national trailblazer areas, and West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, visited Walsall’s town centre youth hub, Our Place, on Monday 13 October 2025, to officially launch the scheme.
“ It was good to welcome Richard Parker to Walsall town centre last week.
Walsall is stepping up its efforts to tackle youth unemployment, as we know 2,385 young people are currently seeking work. Through our current, successful initiatives like Walsall Works and The Link, we’ve supported thousands of residents into employment and training.
Now, through further work with our partners, and with the launch of the Youth Trailblazer programme, we’re taking it to the next level, and creating new, and more, pathways for hundreds of 18 to 21-year-olds to find the path for them. This includes offering paid placements, improving transitions to education and training, and long-term job opportunities. “
The council is working with local organisations to provide opportunities for young people to engage and access employment opportunities across a number of different sectors, such as creative media, construction, digital skills, and coaching and mentoring. Walsall College will also be offering practical skills for young people who are at risk of dropping out of provision, through access to work experience, CV writing and interview workshops.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said, “It’s so important for young people to be able to experience work in the real world and to learn the skills they’ll need for a good, secure job in the years ahead.
“I want every young person to have the chance to reach their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career – that’s at the very heart of my ‘Jobs for Everyone’ mission.
“Walsall has really kickstarted this trailblazer programme and it’s by connecting young people to local jobs and training opportunities in this way that we can change lives for the better.”
Mr Parker had the opportunity to speak with young people about their experiences finding employment and shared his ambitions for the scheme. Brooke, is 19 years old and after a two-year search for the right job, was pleased to share that she’s starting a paid work placement in creative media with KIC Radio. Emmanuel is also 19, and wants to draw upon his own lived experience of being in care to support other young people in Walsall, and will be starting his apprenticeship in youth work in the next few weeks.
The West Midlands Youth Trailblazer is funded by UK Government.
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Further information
Walsall Works
Walsall Works is a local employment and skills initiative run by Walsall Council. Its main aim is to help residents of Walsall, especially young people and those facing barriers to employment, access job opportunities, apprenticeships, training, and support to improve their employability.
Since its launch in 2012, Walsall Works has helped 3500 young people, and half of these outcomes were securing employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Services include:
- Support for job seekers: Including CV writing, interview preparation, and job matching.
- Apprenticeships and training: Helping people find apprenticeships or gain new skills through funded training programmes.
- Support for employers: Encouraging local businesses to create opportunities for Walsall residents, including incentives for hiring apprentices.
- Youth employment initiatives: Targeted support for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
More information here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-works
The Link
The Link is a multi-service, drop-in employment and skills hub located at 46 Park Street, Walsall, designed to support residents with job searching, training, and personal development. It brings together key partners including Walsall College, DWP, Walsall Council, WHG, the University of Wolverhampton, and others to offer:
- 1:1 mentoring, advice and guidance
- CV writing and employability workshops
- Free training courses
- Job search support
- Benefits advice
- Signposting to housing, mental health, and childcare services
More information here: https://www.thelinkwalsall.co.uk/
