Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, visited the new Maximus office in Birmingham today to learn more about the expert skills and employment support available to residents through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) funded Into Employment Programme.
The Adult Education Budget, which is delivered by Maximus on behalf of the WMCA, provides fully-funded skills development courses and support to employed or unemployed learners aged over 19 who live in the city.
Through both online and classroom learning, local residents are able to learn new skills, gain confidence and find sustainable employment in sectors including Warehousing and Logistics, Customer Service, Business Administration and Hospitality.
As part of the programme a dedicated Employer Engagement team at Maximus will help match learners with leading employers through guaranteed interviews and work placements. Once in work, the team will help residents gain qualifications to help facilitate further progression within their career.
During the visit, Mayor Street was able to meet with local partners and Maximus colleagues to learn more about how the Into Employment Programme is having a positive impact in the local community.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Adult education can improve quality of life, self-confidence and opportunities for people. It also supports employers by providing them with the skills they need to boost growth.That’s why initiatives like theInto Employment Programme, into which we are investing £900,000 from adult skills training funding, are so important.
“The partnership-based approach on this scheme, between the WMCA, Maximus and local employers and training providers is delivering results for our residents and helping them into jobs. So, I look forward to this important programme continuing to help more of our residents achieve their goals in work and life.”
Gareth Parry, Programme Director for Employability at Maximus, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Mayor at our new office today, showcasing how we’re supporting WMCA in their drive to create a dynamic, highly skilled workforce across the region.
“Lacking in-demand skills and formal qualifications can prevent people from gaining employment in sectors which are actively recruiting. By leveraging our extensive network of relationships with major employers and partners, we’re committed to helping residents reach their goals.”
