Mayor vows to create 13,000 training places

ALMOST 13,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities have been pledged to help get young West Midlands people into good careers.

- GURDIP THANDI Local Democracy Reporter

Mayor Richard Parker said he is well on the way to creating the 20,000 opportunities targeted when he launched his Youth Employment Plan a year ago. Working with local businesses and partners, the plan aims to tackle rising youth unemployment and kick-start the economy.

Mr Parker said youth unemployment in some areas such as Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton are double the national average, with around 28,000 young people classed as unemployed across the region.

Last month, the Mayor also launched his Growth Plan which aims to transform the economy and create 93,000 quality, well-paid jobs over the next decade.