Support Available from Local Organisations
The urban areas of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton create a bustling region in the middle of the country.
Yet, the area known as the West Midlands also includes several rural counties, including Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
Renowned most for its history of manufacturing, this populous region played a vital role in the industrial revolution.
Note: In part, economic growth in the West Midlands area is expected to increase due to High Speed Two (HS2), Coventry City of Culture, and the Commonwealth Games.
The service sectors help to produce more than 50% of the goods and services needed in the region and provide job opportunities for around half of the working population.
It has one of the youngest and most diverse labour forces in the United Kingdom. Beyond that, several other key trades and industries that help to support a growing economy in the West Midlands include:
- Automotive innovation
- Bricklaying and construction
- Energy
- Engineering
- Green technology
- Health and life sciences
- Storage
- Transportation
Note: The main section offers more advice and information about how to start looking for a new career including specialist sectors, such as agricultural work, the Armed Forces, and social care.
Job Support in the West Midlands
You can get free help and expert advice from your local Jobcentre work coach if you are out of work and claiming benefits entitlements.
Furthermore, some of the businesses and organisations in the Midlands offer online support for people who:
- Are new to the job market.
- Need help to write a CV (or prepare for a job interview).
- Are considering a change of career.
Birmingham and Solihull
The National Careers Service website contains information and guidance for anyone aged eighteen (18) or older.
The specialist support they offer will help you find a job that suits your skills – and you can get advice about the best interview techniques.
The Black Country
Head over to the Jobchange website for advice, guidance, and free job training across the West Midlands.
The information will ‘point you in the right direction’ for opportunities to improve your work skills and personal development.
Note: They also allow you to book an appointment to have a friendly chat with one of their qualified and experienced Careers Advisers.
Worcestershire
The ‘Skills 4 Worcestershire’ website contains careers advice that targets young people and parents. Besides the local economy, it also has handy signposts to other useful resources and employability advice.
Several Worcestershire libraries run ‘Job Clubs’. The weekly service specialises in helping unemployed individuals move from benefits into work.
Note: Keep up to date with job openings, work-based events, and career advice in your local area by contacting The UK Rules on Twitter.
Related Help Guides
- Careers in the British Armed Forces.
- How to get started in Adult Social Care?
- Starting a career in agriculture.
Note: This short video [7:17 seconds] has useful tips for foreigners who are trying to find a job in the United Kingdom.