The February Issue of Erdington Local is Out Now!

Minister McGovern visits Witton Lodge

This month, we proudly spotlighted our recent visit from Alison McGovern MP, the Minister of State for Employment. Her visit highlighted North Birmingham’s forward-thinking efforts in tackling unemployment, showcasing the power of collaboration between local organisations and government to address employment challenges.

Minister McGovern joined a discussion with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NB:ER) board, chaired by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton. The conversation underscored the vital role of community-driven strategies in shaping impactful employment policies.

After the roundtable, Minister McGovern took part in a highly productive Youth Employment Workshop, gaining valuable insights into the challenges young people face when seeking employment. Participants raised concerns about insufficient career advice, limited work experience opportunities, and the need for more accessible, user-friendly alternatives to traditional Job Centres, which often fall short in offering tailored support for young people.

Read more on what Minister McGovern had to say below.

Jobs Fair Success for Erdington Residents

WLCA hosted a vibrant Jobs Fair at St Barnabas Church in Erdington, connecting hundreds of local jobseekers with over 25 employers and training specialists. The event served as a vital platform for residents to explore career pathways and professional development opportunities, offering direct access to employers and training organisations. This event truly showcased WLCA’s commitment to driving economic growth and empowering the community!

Read more on how the Jobs Fair was a success for Dwayne, an attendee, here

Boosting Social Enterprise in North Birmingham!

As part of our ongoing Employment and Skills programme, our Social Enterprise Support Programme has been hosting a series of valuable workshops for local entrepreneurs and community groups. Running until March 2025, the programme aims to nurture social enterprises and groups in North Birmingham, helping them develop their ideas and expand their networks through workshops, networking opportunities, and collaboration prospects.

This initiative complements our work with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NB:ER) Board, a collaborative effort focused on revitalising the local economy by tackling the challenges of unemployment and the skills gap in the region.

Find out more about NB:ER here

Read the full article below.