Taking the next step towards work, education or training can feel daunting. Through WOW! World of Work, Witton Lodge is helping people across North Birmingham build confidence, develop skills and find opportunities that work for them.

Our employment and skills programmes offer practical, personalised support at every stage of the journey. Whether someone is looking for their first opportunity, returning to work, considering a career change or facing barriers to progress, our friendly team can help them explore what comes next.

Supporting young people through Youth Trailblazer

Witton Lodge is delivering the second cohort of Youth Trailblazer, a programme for young people aged 18 to 21 who are not currently in education, employment or training.

At the heart of the programme is one-to-one coaching. Each young person has time to identify their goals, recognise their strengths and make a plan for their next steps. Support is shaped around the individual, because no two journeys are the same.

Participants can receive help to:

• Develop employability and life skills.
• Build confidence and prepare for the workplace.
• Explore employment, education, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Connect with local employers and career options.
• Take part in activities that support health and wellbeing.

The programme is already helping young people discover new possibilities. One participant completed a three-week construction course, gained a CSCS card and secured an interview with Ferrari. Others have explored new interests, including IT and cybersecurity.

These experiences show what can happen when young people receive the encouragement, practical support and connections they need to move forward.

Personalised employment support with Connect to Work

Connect to Work is a supported employment programme for Birmingham residents aged 16 and over who face barriers to finding or staying in work.

Support is available to people who are in or out of work. This may include people living with a disability, a long-term health or mental health condition, neurodiversity or other circumstances that make it harder to access and sustain employment.

Connect to Work can help participants:

• Find suitable employment.
• Access training and develop their skills.
• Meet local employers.
• Build confidence and explore career options.
• Receive ongoing support as they settle into work and develop their careers.

The process starts with a conversation about the person’s goals and what matters to them. Together, we build a vocational profile based on their interests, strengths and support needs, then connect them with suitable employers and opportunities.

Our support continues beyond the first day in a new job. We can help people settle into their role, grow in confidence and plan for their future development.

Meet local support at our Work and Wellbeing Fair

Residents can also connect with local opportunities at Witton Lodge’s large-scale Work and Wellbeing Fair on Friday 16 October, from 10am to 2pm, at Six Ways Baptist Church.

Around 40 partners working across North Birmingham will be there to talk about the support they offer with jobs, training, health and wellbeing. Residents can meet employers face to face, hear about live job opportunities and find out about local health and wellbeing groups and activities.

It is a great chance to meet providers on your doorstep, ask questions and discover support available in your local area—all in one place.

Helping people take their next step

At Witton Lodge, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to develop their skills, achieve their goals and find a pathway that works for them.

Whether you are a young person looking for direction, someone seeking a fresh start or an adult facing barriers to employment, Witton Lodge’s WOW! World of Work is here to help you take the next step.

To find out more about the employment and skills support you can benefit from contact our friendly team on:

Email: gareth.moore@wittonlodge.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 382 1930

Take your first step towards new opportunities with WOW! World of Work at Witton Lodge.