It won the Partnership Award at the WMCA Adult Learning Awards 2026 ceremony, at STEAMhouse, Birmingham, last week.
The awards recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations in the West Midlands who have gone above and beyond in adult learning, skills and training.
Almost 80 people have been supported into paid employment through 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 191 residents have been placed into work experience with City of Wolverhampton Council and city employers such as 2Logic, First Right, Elec Training, NHS, Morro Partnerships, Eurowash, Gregary Stars, Compton Care, P & R Engineering, Horeb Digital Technology, Netshire, Verko Consulting and Symbiotex.
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 working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support people into work experience placements.
Help is also provided to Wolverhampton school, college and university students to secure work experience – sourcing and offering 132 placements within the council since September 2025.
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Opportunities, said: “Congratulations to the Open Door team on winning this award. It is truly deserved for the tireless work they do to support the city’s residents into work and training.
“They are making a real impact in equipping our residents with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
“We need to ensure work placements are open to everyone, no matter their background - and Open Door provides a range of flexible options, improving transitions to education and training, and long-term job opportunities.”
Anyone interested in joining the Open Door programme should emailopendoor@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 552690.
