Solihull Council has launched two targeted employment programmes worth almost £1 million to support residents into work.
The Council’s Employment and Skills Team helps hundreds of local people every year to access training or work. This has been enhanced with a grant secured from two nationally-funded programmes, Connect to Work and Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, worth almost £1 million until March 2026, with the funding likely to continue in the future.
Connect to Work supports residents who are out of work and facing more complex issues to find suitable employment. The predecessor pilot scheme, Local Supported Employment, in Solihull has been one of the most successful in the country. This experience in the pilot scheme has helped shape the local Connect to Work programme which offers intensive support to Solihull residents.
Solihull’s Youth Trailblazer boosts work opportunities and placements for young people. The programme offers a financial contribution to employers in return for work experience and paid opportunities for local young people aged 18-21. The team will work with young people to get ready for the opportunities and they will be matched with participating local employers. A Specialist Adviser will support both the young person and the employer throughout the process. Priorities for funding will be given to small and medium sized employers.
Councillor Heather Delaney, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business & Skills, said: “We are delighted to launch these two programmes. The grant funding allows us to enhance and sustain our support for residents and local employers. This is much needed with the financial challenges across the country.
“One of our goals is to ensure that everyone is supported to have an equal chance to be happier and more prosperous. While we support residents to get work-ready, we are also helping local employers futureproof their workforce.”
Find out more about the team’s support on our website.