West Midlands Combined Authority

We have all marvelled at the stars of ParalympicsGB competing in Paris. But it should focus our minds on tackling the inequalities faced by disabled people in the West Midlands. Dr Mark Fosbrook PLY had a sporting career spanning two decades, winning silver and gold European Championship medals in basketball, representing Great Britain in volleyball at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympics, and in wheelchair rugby at the World Championships. Now our senior policy officer for health and disabilities, let Mark explain why organisations should be more confident to make workplaces better for everyone.

🙌 We are pleased that Next Energy are our headline sponsors for this year's Energy Capital Conference. 🤝 Having found out that the West Midlands is a great place to do business, Next Energy have just opened their new office in Birmingham. 🏡 They are also part of our Home Upgrade Grants retrofit project, which offers help to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the West Midlands which have no connection to mains gas for central heating. Find out more ➡ https://bit.ly/4cU39Ko

✈️ Did you know that the West Midlands is home to a strong number of advanced lower-tier aerospace manufacturers? Yet, in the last decade, 94% have received no R&D funding from the UK's national aerospace innovation ecosystem — That's where ASSIST comes in. ⚡️Learn about the programme in full: https://orlo.uk/fnDRp #WMIA #WestMidlandsInnovation #WMPlanforGrowth

Building a career took time for bricky Mohammed 🧱 He openly admitted failing to get the GCSEs he needed. That meant signing up for Universal Credit. But that’s when he found a WMCA-backed programme to help him 🤝 Path 2 Apprenticeships gave him solid foundations. And now he has a successful bricklaying apprenticeship. Find out more by searching Path 2 Apprenticeships via our website 🏠

🎭 Are you interested in a career as a venue technician but not sure where to begin?   🎤 Solihull College & University Centre's successful Venue Technician Bootcamp is back for a second round!   Participants will receive hands-on training, guidance from top industry professionals and the chance to work in some of the best venues across the West Midlands.   👀 You may also have the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship and gain an accredited qualification. You will also receive an attendance bursary supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority.   ⏰ Applications close this Sunday (25th August).   Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/46ZdGCw

🚦 Do you know someone who's just received their results and is looking to do an apprenticeship? We're seeking three motivated individuals to join us as Transport Planning and Traffic Signal Engineering Apprentices! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working on projects that will make a real difference to our region. The apprentices will learn from industry experts, develop new skills, and contribute to innovative solutions that improve traffic flow and safety across the West Midlands. Apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/enzuPmCJ #TransportCareers #Apprenticeship #WestMidlands #EngineeringJobs #TrafficSignalEngineering

👋  This week we welcomed Baroness Jones to our Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, part of the West Midlands Investment Zone.    📈 Birmingham Knowledge Quarter has a bold vision to create over 19,000 new jobs, drive £100bn growth in GVA, support new pathways to skills for all of the region’s communities and through initiatives such as the regional Innovation Accelerator.   🗣 Baroness Jones commented on her visit: "The Labour Government has put economic growth at the heart of its mission for national renewal. But that has to be growth which benefits all of our communities – not just a few lucky ones. "Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is a brilliant example of partners pulling together to drive innovation, create new business opportunities and develop the technical skills the country needs to make our ambitions a reality." Woodbourne Group | Birmingham City University | Aston University | Sharon Thompson, JP

Kamaria is an inspiration 🥰 She dreamed of becoming a therapist but struggled to get the grades she needed in her GCSEs. Then her world was turned upside down when she was told she had breast cancer at the age of 25. Determined to win her cancer battle and live life to full, she juggled her treatment and recovery with retaking her maths and English GCSEs to help with her Access to Higher Education Diploma course. And now aged 29 she's off to Uni 🎉 Her advice to people getting their results: "Going through cancer treatment made me even more determined to achieve my goal. "You may not have the grades you need but you can retake and look into other routes you can pursue to get to where you want to be." Amazing 👏

🗣 "Absolutely gutted."   That’s how Victoria felt after failing her A-Levels. But unfazed, she took another path including taking part in an exchange programme abroad.    🤩 Now she’s working in her dream job, doing an apprenticeship in project management.     Whatever your exam results, there’s something out there for you – there are many paths to success.

👀 An impressive line-up of expert speakers for this year's Autumn conference! Full details on how to book your place below ⬇