Local employers are shaping brighter futures through Solihull Council’s Youth Trailblazer programme. Abi Charles is the first young person supported into work through the programme and she is celebrating this new career milestone.
Abi was looking for a new job after deciding that she needed a change in her career path. As a care-experienced young person, she shared that with her Personal Adviser who referred her to the programme.
Abi said: “I didn’t have much work experience, so finding a job was quite difficult. The Employment and Skills Team made everything really easy and smooth. They prepared me for the job interview, which definitely helped with my confidence.”
She is now working as a hotel receptionist at the Barn Hotel, part of the Barn at Berryfields’ new venture which opened in August. She added: “I feel at ease here and really fit in. I really enjoy meeting guests from different cities or countries and just getting to know them. There’s something new every day. I just love it here!”
The Barn at Berryfields, a family-run business for four generations, saw the programme as a fresh way to recruit and develop talent. Ruth Truslove, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, said: “Abi was confident at the interview and showed great interest in what we do. She’s been doing brilliantly in her role.”
Director Tom Barber added: “The funding from the Youth Trailblazer programme is great, especially in the current climate. The Council’s support has been fantastic. For SMEs like us, it’s a great opportunity to train someone over 12 weeks and see them grow while existing employees get to develop through mentoring. Abi has embraced our culture and is eager to learn. Abi’s going to become our permanent staff after completing the 12-week placement. Young people just need the opportunity to work and build their skills.”
Councillor Heather Delaney, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Skills, said: “Youth employment is a key priority for us. The Youth Trailblazer programme offers up to £5,000 to employers offering placements for local young people aged 18–21. It’s wonderful to see how this has helped Abi and the Barn at Berryfields. I am delighted that by having the opportunity through the Youth Trailblazer, Abi has now secured a permanent job. Whether you’re an employer or a young person looking for work, I’d encourage you to get in touch with our Employment and Skills Team for support.”
For more information about the support on offer, please visit our webpage.