Press Releases
The latest Press Releases from West Midlands Councils are detailed below.
November 2010
10th November - Shropshire learner is Stars for Skills top achiever
A young learner from Shropshire has scooped the top accolade at an awards event which recognises the achievements of individuals across the West Midlands.
The Stars for Skills awards ceremony, at the Birmingham Hippodrome, was held to recognise the achievements of individuals who have found employment or progressed to further learning as a result of training provided by the West Midland’s Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme.
Over 100 guests including trainees, training providers and businesses attended the event, hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter, Satnam Rana, who helped to present the winners with their awards (PDF 33KB)
October 2010
7th October - Young people 'Wise Up' and turn their backs on harmful gang culture
Young people from Wolverhampton, who are at risk of becoming involved in the harmful aspects of street gang culture, are participating in a project that aims to steer them in a more positive direction and build their confidence. (PDF 226KB)
5th October - Lee's management training secures his job
Forty-year-old Lee Pilsworth, who works for an automated materials handling company, decided to formalise his skills as a manager by taking a National Vocational Qualification Level 4 in Management.
After doing some research he selected a training course with providers TDM, which is backed by the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund programme. This meant that Lee only needed to contribute a fraction of the training costs... (PDF 288KB)
4th October - John finds fast track to bright future
Not everyone enjoys school, as 15-year-old John Day, from Hereford, can testify. When he struggled to engage with the traditional curriculum, John was referred by the ‘Live and Learn’ project to a local training provider, Motov8, and has since seen his prospects soar.
The ‘Live and Learn’ project is run by Herefordshire Council and is supported by the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund programme. (PDF 252KB)
1st October - Matthew overcomes physical disability to pursue dream job
A teenager from Stoke has overcome severe visual impairment to pursue his dream job as an IT technician, thanks to a training project being run across Staffordshire. (PDF 234KB)
September 2010
30th September - Alistair becomes the positive role model young people need
Alistair Boddie had been through school and college, gaining a range of qualifications but had lacked a sense of direction. The 32 year-old began volunteering and last year a friend suggested that he go along to Engage Youth Empowerment Services (EYES) in Wolverhampton. Alistair went along to the project and was so impressed that he decided to become a street mentor to the young people who attend EYES. (PDF 246KB)
29th September - Funding boost for unemployed people in Bedworth
A community project in Bedworth is helping local unemployed people develop their skills and confidence to improve their chances of finding work... (PDF 246KB)
28th September - Final call for budding young actors to star in mining production
A Staffordshire theatre company is extending its search for budding actors to encourage local young unemployed people to get involved in a drama production about the coal-mining heritage of Cannock Chase.
The Fired Up Theatre is looking for young people in Staffordshire, aged 16-19 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to enrol onto the project which has received a £6,900 community grant from the West Midlands Councils’ and the Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme. The project will give individuals a chance to try something different and meet new people, as well as developing their skills and boosting their confidence. (PDF 246KB)
27th September - Russell has the confidence to 'be who he can be'
Russell Gethins from Wolverhampton had been out of work for over two years when he was referred to Be Who You Can Be, a local charity that builds the self-esteem and confidence of individuals who are struggling to enter the workforce. Be Who You Can Be’s project is one of more than 40 community grant projects in the Black Country backed by the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme. (PDF 246KB)
23rd September - Elev8 celebrates one year birthday success
A project for young people across Birmingham and Solihull is celebrating its first birthday with the news that 150 of its learners have moved into further education, training or employment. The Elev8 project is managed by BXL and funded by the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund programme. It is delivered across Birmingham and Solihull through eight training providers and is available to 16-18 year olds in the area who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)... (PDF 246KB)
21st September - Telford teenager finds confidence and career thanks to Turnaround project
17-year-old Mel Williams, from Donnington, has his feet firmly on the career ladder thanks to Turnaround - a training project for young people aged between 16 to 18 years who are not in further education, employment or training.
The Turnaround project is run by Telford and Wrekin Council and is supported by the West Midlands Council’s and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund (ESF) programme. The project aims to re-engage young people, inform them about local training opportunities and develop their skills and confidence. (PDF 246KB)
August 2010
18th August - Tony gets the skills to achieve his dream
Tony Dinanga was unsure how he could break into the music business, until he heard about a project backed by the European Social Fund that focused on music and video editing skills. The project, run by UKCMC, gives young people aged between 18 and 25 years the opportunity to acccess training that can develop their technical and practical editing know-how, whilst being both engaging and hands on. (PDF 246KB)
17th August - Learners in rural Herefordshire awarded European cash boost
Unemployed people from a rural part of Herefordshire are being given the chance to improve their skills and develop the confidence to get back into work, thanks to a community funding grant from Europe. (PDF 248KB)
17th August - Zebra signs the way to success
Zebra Access, a non-profit company, has supported deaf people from the Black Country into employment by delivering a course entirely in British Sign Language.
Zebra Access benefited from a community grant worth almost £12,000 from the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund programme, to help deliver the course. (PDF 248KB)
July 2010
29th July - Skills boost for unemployed people in Worcestershire
Unemployed people in Worcestershire are being encouraged to take advantage of a free tailor-made training project which gives them the chance to develop their jobs search skills and get involved in vocational training to boost their chances of finding work. (PDF 246KB)
16th July - Young learners in Staffordshire celebrate training success
More than 150 learners in Staffordshire have had their achievements recognised at an event to celebrate their success in finding a route to education, employment or further training. (PDF 289KB)
15th July - Group gives women support in the Black Country
A project in the Black Country is helping women, many of whom speak English as a second language, to develop their skills to increase their chances of finding work, thanks to a grant from Europe. (PDF 277KB)
7th July - Desi Sweetens customer service with training
When Desi Sweets, a chain of asian sweet shops, was approached by Accent on Training to undertake free training backed by the West Midlands Councils’ and Skills Funding Agency’s regional European Social Fund programme, manager Hardeep Singh was eager to make the best use of the opportunity. (PDF 65KB)
June 2010
23rd June - Innovative management training leads to new business start-up
Over 50 people have benefitted from at-work business management training to help their businesses recover from the recession, thanks to a company in Worcestershire which has received funding from Europe. (PDF 252KB)
May 2010
10 May - Westminster should look to West Midlnds for lessons on successful alliances
Here in the West Midlands local government has a long history of working together, putting aside political and geographical differences where needed to focus on a bigger goal... (PDF 82KB)
April 2010
April - Elev8 celebrates one year birthday success
A project for young people across Birmingham and Solihull is celebrating its first birthday with the news that 150 of its learners have moved in further education, training or employment... (PDF 275KB)
6th April - Young People 'Wise Up' and turn their backs on harmful gang culture
Young people from Wolverhampton, who are at risk of becoming involved in the harmful aspects of street gang culture, are participating in a project that aims to steer them in a more positive direction. (PDF 258KB)
March 10
23 March - Powerful guiding coalition seeks economic recovery for West Midlands
Influential leaders from the West Midlands public sector and business world today declared their intent to work together in new ways to grow the region’s economy... ((PDF 275KB)
6th April - Young People 'Wise Up' and turn their backs on harmful gang culture
Young people from Wolverhampton, who are at risk of becoming involved in the harmful aspects of street gang culture, are participating in a project that aims to steer them in a more positive direction. (PDF 258KB)
March 10
23 March - Powerful guiding coalition seeks economic recovery for West Midlands
Influential leaders from the West Midlands public sector and business world today declared their intent to work together in new ways to grow the region’s economy... ((PDF 275KB)
6th April - Young People 'Wise Up' and turn their backs on harmful gang culture
Young people from Wolverhampton, who are at risk of becoming involved in the harmful aspects of street gang culture, are participating in a project that aims to steer them in a more positive direction. (PDF 258KB)
March 10
23 March - Powerful guiding coalition seeks economic recovery for West Midlands
Influential leaders from the West Midlands public sector and business world today declared their intent to work together in new ways to grow the region’s economy... (PDF 176KB)
19 March - Midland Metro to be extended announces Government
Plans to extend the Midlands Metro service were given the initial go-ahead yesterday by the Department for Transport (DfT)... (PDF 51KB)
12 March - High Speed Rail boost for Birmingham and the West Midlands
Key figures from the West Midlands region gave a united welcome to today’s Government announcement of multibillion-pound plans for a network of High Speed Rail (HSR) lines across the country... (PDF 70KB)
8 March - West Midlands' Transport Priorities right on track
The first full annual progress review of the West Midlands Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan, launched in December 2008, has shown significant progress... (PDF 53KB)
4 March - Young learners in the Black Country receive achievement accolade
Young people and trainers from a Black Country training programme have been celebrating as their achievements were recognised at the Kickstart Life Learner of the Year Awards... (PDF 165KB)
January 10
29 January - Landmark conference unites Leaders and Councillors from across the West Midlands
Leaders from across the West Midlands came together in Wolverhampton yesterday at a landmark conference for councillors, organised by the West Midlands Leaders Board... (PDF 80KB)
25 January - Future in the community for Danny
17-year-old Danny Williams from Bromsgrove is gaining new skills whilst helping to support his local community by working as a volunteer at NewStarts, a charity whichhref=media/upload/Library/News%20Room/Press%20Releases/JS&IB/2010%200803%20Transport%20Priorities%20Right%20on%20Track.pdf>PDF 53KB)
4 March - Young learners in the Black Country receive achievement accolade
Young people and trainers from a Black Country training programme have been celebrating as their achievements were recognised at the Kickstart Life Learner of the Year Awards... (PDF 165KB)
January 10
29 January - Landmark conference unites Leaders and Councillors from across the West Midlands
Leaders from across the West Midlands came together in Wolverhampton yesterday at a landmark conference for councillors, organised by the West Midlands Leaders Board... (PDF 80KB)
25 January - Future in the community for Danny
17-year-old Danny Williams from Bromsgrove is gaining new skills whilst helping to support his local community by working as a volunteer at NewStarts, a charity which provides crucial support to people on the poverty line... (PDF 105KB)
21 January - Council Leaders sign landmark declaration to lead the West Midlands recovery
Leading politicians from across the West Midlands came together yesterday to sign a landmark declaration, setting out their commitment to the people and businesses of the West Midlands, and issuing a challenge to Whitehall... (PDF 81KB)
8 January - Worcestershire project gives ex-manufacturing workers chance at new career
A project in the Wyre Forest which helps unemplpload/Library/News%20Room/Press%20Releases/WMLB%20011%20Conference%202010.pdf;>PDF 80KB)
25 January - Future in the community for Danny
17-year-old Danny Williams from Bromsgrove is gaining new skills whilst helping to support his local community by working as a volunteer at NewStarts, a charity which provides crucial support to people on the poverty line... (PDF 105KB)
21 January - Council Leaders sign landmark declaration to lead the West Midlands recovery
Leading politicians from across the West Midlands came together yesterday to sign a landmark declaration, setting out their commitment to the people and businesses of the West Midlands, and issuing a challenge to Whitehall... (PDF 81KB)
8 January - Worcestershire project gives ex-manufacturing workers chance at new career
A project in the Wyre Forest which helps unemployed people develop vital skills to improve their chances of work, is celebrating its success after seven of its members have secured a job... (PDF 136KB)
December 09
23 December - West Midlands Sets Standard for Spending Euro Millions on Training
A groundbreaking programme which lets councils influence how millions of pounds of European money should be spent to improve skills and job prospects in the West Midlands is set to be rolled out across the Country... (PDF 106KB)
15 December - Appointment will embed sustainability and equality practices
The Learning and Skills Council and West Midlands Leaders Board have appointed Patrick Eastwood as ESF cross-cutting themes monitoring officer... (download)
Worcestershire project gives ex-manufacturing workers chance at new career
A project in the Wyre Forest which helps unemployed people develop vital skills to improve their chances of work, is celebrating its success after seven of its members have secured a job...PDF 136KB)
December 09
23 December - West Midlands Sets Standard for Spending Euro Millions on Training
A groundbreaking programme which lets councils influence how millions of pounds of European money should be spent to improve skills and job prospects in the West Midlands is set to be rolled out across the Country... (PDF 106KB)
15 December - Appointment will embed sustainability and equality practices
The Learning and Skills Council and West Midlands Leaders Board have appointed Patrick Eastwood as ESF cross-cutting themes monitoring officer... (PDF 145KB)
14 December - Tesco 'job-match' project creates 90 jobs in East Birmingham
Ninety unemployed people living in the Hodge Hill area of East Birmingham have secured jobs at a new Tesco store, which is due to open in January 2010. The out-of-work residents have... (PDF 143KB)
9 December - Councils across the West Midlands continue to improve
Council across the West Midlands are performing well according to the latest assessment by the Audit Commission which scored councils for ‘Managing Performance’ and ‘Use of Resources’. The new assessments also look at the way public services, including councils, fire service and primary care trusts, work together to improve the quality of life in each area....(PDF 500KB)
8 December - European official visits two training projects in the West Midlands
A groundbreaking Black Country project which works with young people who are in danger of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) is being held up as an international example of good practice... (PDF 147KB)
7 December - Telford teenager finds confidence and career thanks to Turnaround project
17-year-old Mel Williams, from Donnington, has his feet firmly on the career ladder thanks to Turnaround - a training project for young people aged between 16 to 18 years... (PDF 133KB)
2 December - £1m investment secured for future transport priorities
The Department for Transport has confirmed that four transport studies in the West Midlands are set to share £1m from its 'Delivering a Sustainable Transport System' (DaSTS) programme .. (PDF 36KB)
November 09
30th November - Six Local Councils Receive Highly Acclaimed Award
Over 70 local councillors descended upon Birmingham last week to witness six West Midlands local authorities receive the highly acclaimed Member Development Charter award... (PDF 147KB)
7 December - Telford teenager finds confidence and career thanks to Turnaround project
17-year-old Mel Williams, from Donnington, has his feet firmly on the career ladder thanks to Turnaround - a training project for young people aged between 16 to 18 years... (PDF 133KB)
2 December - £1m investment secured for future transport priorities
The Department for Transport has confirmed that four transport studies in the West Midlands are set to share £1m from its 'Delivering a Sustainable Transport System' (DaSTS) programme .. (PDF 36KB)
November 09
30th November - Six Local Councils Receive Highly Acclaimed Award
Over 70 local councillors descended upon Birmingham last week to witness six West Midlands local authorities receive the highly acclaimed Member Development Charter award... (PDF 110KB)
26 November - New Leaders Board forms powerful coalition to take the Region forward
After two years of uncertainty, a new and influential group of council leaders has now been formally established and set to carry the West Midlands forward... (PDF 80KB)
13 November - Leaders Welcome New Economic Recovery Powers
The West Midlands Leaders Board has welcomed the Royal Assent of a Bill that gives councils a stronger role in engineering economic recovery... (PDF 80KB)
October 09
30 October - Help is at hand for unemployed over 50s in Black Country
The number of people over the age of 50 who have found themselves out of work in the last year in the Black Country has risen by 80 per cent... (PDF 110KB)
26 November - New Leaders Board forms powerful coalition to take the Region forward
After two years of uncertainty, a new and influential group of council leaders has now been formally established and set to carry the West Midlands forward... (PDF 80KB)
13 November - Leaders Welcome New Economic Recovery Powers
The West Midlands Leaders Board has welcomed the Royal Assent of a Bill that gives councils a stronger role in engineering economic recovery... (PDF 80KB)
October 09
30 October - Help is at hand for unemployed over 50s in Black Country
The number of people over the age of 50 who have found themselves out of work in the last year in the Black Country has risen by 80 per cent...