The Ladders of Opportunity Bursary, established in memory of Erdington MP Jack Dromey and Councillor Penny Holbrook, has achieved remarkable success in its second round of funding. The initiative, aimed at supporting young residents living in the Erdington Constituency, saw applications triple from the first round, demonstrating its growing impact and importance in the community.

For both rounds, a total of £20,000 was awarded to 23 young individuals across the Erdington Constituency, each receiving up to £1,000 to support their career aspirations. The bursary recipients represent a diverse range of career paths, including aspiring pharmacists, dentists, teachers, nurses, youth workers, solicitors, midwives, and mechanical engineers.

Mentorship Opportunities

In addition to financial assistance, the bursary programme offers vital mentorship and coaching opportunities. These connections with experienced professionals provide invaluable guidance for the recipients’ personal and professional development and can provide excellent insight into future careers.

The bursary is a collaborative effort, generously funded by dedicated partners including BMet College, IM Properties, The Pioneer Group, and Urban Devotion and Witton Lodge Community Association. This partnership exemplifies commitment to nurturing local talent, working together to create a brighter future for young people across Erdington.

Celebration Event

A special event, hosted at BMet Erdington Skills Centre brought together the successful applicants and guests, alongside the panel and community leaders, including Perry Common Councillor Jilly Bermingham. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these inspiring young individuals and hear about their plans for the future.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural Ladders of Opportunity bursary programme, which has distributed £20,000 to promising young individuals across the Erdington Constituency.

“Congratulations to all the recipients whose determination to achieving their goals have earned them this well-deserved recognition and support. The standard of applications has been exceptional and it’s an absolute pleasure to see these aspiring young people embrace this opportunity.”

Expanding Partnerships

Recognising the success of the programme and the pressing needs within the community, Afzal, emphasized the importance of expanding this initiative. “Our aim is to increase the funding for 2025 by bringing on board new partners who share our passion and vision for supporting young people and education.

“We are hopeful this proactive approach will ensure that more young individuals  realise their potential and contribute positively to their community, reinforcing the idea that investing in youth is an investment in the future of Erdington, and the city as a whole.”

By seeking new partnerships, the programme aims to secure additional resources that will enable even more young people in Erdington to benefit from financial support and mentorship opportunities.

If you are interested in supporting the education and career pathways of young people in Erdington by joining the Ladders of Opportunity partnership, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us by emailing jo.townsend@wittonlodge.org.uk.

Take a look at some photos from the event, celebrating the successful applicants below.