More than 50 Wolverhampton young people have been supported into paid employment through the council’s Wolves at Work ‘Open Door’ work experience programme.

The figures, revealed during National Work Experience Week (January 12-16), show the success of Open Door, which provides structured work experience placements for residents who are 18 years or older and NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Since April 2024, a total of 135 residents have been placed into work experience with City of Wolverhampton Council and city employers such as 2Logic, First Right, Elec Training, NHS, Krinkels UK, Morro Partnerships, One Below, LabMedExpert, SmartTribe, The Way Youth Zone and K Teas Cakes.

Open Door, which is also supporting the West Midlands Youth Trailblazer initiative, enables people who are actively seeking employment the opportunity to enhance their employability by developing their skillset.

The work experience placements are 4 to 12 weeks long and up to 25 hours per week.

The Open Door team is also working closely with Wolverhampton schools to provide work experience at the council for pupils aged 14 to 18.

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “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.

“Open Door offers structured work placements, improving transitions to education and training, and long-term job opportunities.”

Faith Nyawara, employed by First Right, said, "Open Door gave me a chance to enter the employment field after so many failed trials. The team was very supportive throughout my journey when looking for work experience and employment. Communication with the staff members was very efficient, and the interest they showed in helping me was amazing. I felt listened to and understood, which gave me confidence in what the team was doing.

“I am glad that with the support of Open Door, I was able to build my CV through the work experience they offered me and get into employment. My appreciation goes to the team who went the extra mile to see things work out for me. I speak for myself, but I believe Open Door has been a saviour to many."

Lee Barnett from the council’s licensing team added, "I seriously could not thank the Open Door team enough for landing me a job with the council doing licencing as this is the job I was aiming for and working to improve my skills for. I'm glad my work coach at the Job Centre mentioned them to me as without them I probably would be having a hard time looking for work.”

Anyone interested in joining the Open Door programme should email open.door@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 552690.