The Matrix award is the Department for Education’s national quality benchmark for the provision of Information, Advice and Guidance by a service.

The work of the council’s skills teams includes the successful Wolves at Work programme, which helped over 650 local people into work over the last year, and the Connexions service, which has carried Matrix status since 2017 for its delivery of independent Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG).

The assessor focused on the work carried out by Connexions in relation to how they are supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) young people and the work being undertaken as part of the Youth Trailblazer programme.

Connexions Careers Advisors are aiming to provide seamless transitions to reduce NEET risk, particularly in underserved communities. NEET figures in the city for 16 and 17-year-olds are consistently low.  Currently, live data shows only 98 16 and 17-year-olds, out of a cohort numbering nearly 7,500, are NEET.

Connexions is also driving the council’s Youth Trailblazer activity in relation to young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

The assessor commended: “overall professionalism has helped focus staff effectively on delivering high quality IAG services to young people and key stakeholders”.

There was also positive customer and partner feedback, with one student saying his Connexions Advisor had “made a difference to his self-belief and confidence”. 

The skills teams have added to their provision since the last assessment, with a new employment hub for Wolves at Work based at the city centre’s i10 building on Victoria Square, near the bus station.

People can drop in anytime between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to work coaches and recruitment staff, as well as use computers to conduct vacancy searches and job applications.

Since the i10 base opened in March 2024, there have been over 14,000 visits, resulting in 2,369 support requests and a total of 1,805 clients registered for employment support, with 40.8% (736) aged 16-24.

They also connect young people to training via pre-apprenticeship programmes, with mentoring and guaranteed interviews.

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Our aim is to ensure there is no wrong door and people receive the most appropriate support they need.

“By offering our young people a range of flexible options we hope to make a real impact in supporting them into work and training.

“Not only is it important we equip them with the skills for the jobs of the future, we need to ensure those opportunities are open to everyone, no matter their background.

“Our initiatives offer structured work placements, improving transitions to education and training, and long-term job opportunities.”

The Matrix standard is awarded for three years, with annual continuous improvement checks.

For information about skills, training and employment opportunities in the city visit www.wolvesworkbox.com, call Wolves At Work on 01902 554400 or email wolvesatwork@wolverhampton.gov.uk.