The MP for Stretford and Urmston met groups of 18 to 24-year-olds who had completed a two-week employability programme designed to prepare them for the workplace and build confidence ahead of job interviews.
Later that day, participants interviewed for roles with retailer One Beyond – with 10 people subsequently securing jobs and starting work just three days later.
The Minister saw a range of support in action, including job clubs, employer-led training and personalised employment coaching designed to help people move towards sustainable employment.
He also saw demonstrations of AI-enabled translation and transcription technology, which can help employment coaches communicate with participants whose first language is not English and reduce barriers to accessing employment support.
Since the scheme began in 2021, the Restart Scheme across the West Midlands has supported more than 25,000 people into work and has worked with Jobcentre Plus locations and community partners across the region.
The scale of the programme was highlighted during the Minister’s visit, where he met employment coaches, participants, employers and local community partners, including Manor Farm Community Association and Access to Business.
The visit also showcased the immediate impact of intensive employment support for young people.
Andrew Western said: “It was great to see the breadth of activity that was taking place to help people into employment.
“By bringing together local initiatives, we can help build the skilled workforce that our businesses need and deliver opportunity to all corners of the country.”
“This is just one part of our plan to help people back into work. We've rebalanced Universal Credit to remove barriers that held people back from employment and are supporting young people into work through our £2.5 billion youth employment support package.”
