Welcome to our latest CommUnity Newsletter where we are shining a spotlight on the jobs and skills opportunities the Games are bringing to the region. With 35,000 Games times roles, there are a number of ways people across the region can gain support and training to help create longer-term job prospects.

During 2021, together with our partners, we have reached many milestones; highlights would be 41,000 applications for the Commonwealth Collective – our volunteering programme, Celebrating Communities – a grants funding scheme organised by BCC and our own Creative City grant scheme – an opportunity for community groups to deliver creative projects.

The Queen’s Baton Relay, launched on October 7th by Her Majesty the Queen, encapsulates the journey of the Commonwealth Games spirit.

Please refer to ‘dates for the diary’ for opportunities to get involved with the neighbourhood live sites.

All best wishes,
John Crabtree

Investing In the Region's Future With the Jobs and Skills Academy

In preparation for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is providing over 6,000 West Midlands residents with Games-related training to help them access Games time roles as well as post Games long-term opportunities.

Working with major Games contractors, the Jobs and Skills Academy (The Academy) is providing a wide range of courses in sectors such as security, stewarding, logistics, catering, and cleaning, providing crucial skills needed to fill the jobs being created now, in the run up to the Games and in the future.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the WMCA said: “The Games and the legacy they will leave could create up to 35,000 jobs”, highlighting the importance of ensuring local people have the skills and experience to fill the jobs being created now and in the future.

Nicola Turner, Director of Legacy Birmingham 2022 said: “We are delighted to hear that over 1,000 people have already completed a training course through the Academy. This is great for those individuals today, great for the Games next year and great for the regional talent pool longer term. When I talk to local people, jobs and skills always comes up as a top priority.”

Kuldip, from Sandwell, applied for a paid job at Birmingham 2022’s Volunteer Selection Centre (VSC) in Uniform Management through The Academy. She said: “Gaining this role has not only helped me financially but has given me the confidence to re-enter the workplace after quite a long gap.”

The Academy is working with adult education providers, such as colleges, training providers and local authorities across the region. For more information please visit the Jobs and Skills Academy portal.

Stand Out Scheme Proving Tailored Support for People Aged 18-30

With funding from the National Lottery, the Stand Out Scheme is providing help to young people aged 18 – 30 who are not in education or employment to learn new skills, secure employment and to access Birmingham 2022 Games times roles.

The scheme provides dedicated and personalised support, including assistance with applications, preparation for interviews, as well as support to help secure further training, volunteering or work after the Games.

The scheme has already helped nine people find work in the Volunteer Selection Centre. Labour Party Councillor for Alum Rock, Mariam Khan said: “We are not just helping nine individuals; we are talking about nine families. We are providing opportunities to local residents and it’s great to see the Games bringing benefits to local people.”

Further support for residents is available via the Stand Out Scheme, which is being delivered by 10 community partners from across the West Midlands, helping young people access the opportunities created by the Games.

To find out further information click here.

Investing in Future Gamesmakers With Apprenticeships

As part of its commitment to providing opportunities for long-term employment, tackling inequalities, and increasing diversity within the workforce, Birmingham 2022 has provided 26 apprenticeships for young people across a range of areas within the organisation. The apprentices are gaining skills and experience through their job roles and working towards a Level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration.

John Crabtree, Chairman of Birmingham 2022 said: “The roles are truly varied so each apprentice is developing a wide range of skills whilst they are working with us, providing them with lots of experience and helping them to become the region’s next group of major event professionals.”

Kellie Hadley, an apprentice in HR says of her experience to date: “I find it incredible the amount I have achieved in the relatively short space of time I have been here.”

Kashmire Hawker, an apprentice working in the Ceremonies & Culture team, explains the opportunity of the apprenticeship; “It makes me believe that I can have a fulfilling career. This is the first piece of the jigsaw in terms of my career opportunity and as a disabled person this apprenticeship is providing me with the skills and the self-belief that I can do this.”

Serena Harper, an apprentice working in the Catering, Cleaning & Waste team, gives this advice for others thinking about exploring an apprenticeship: “Take advantage of any opportunities. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone as by doing this it really makes a big difference in both your skills and confidence.”

Suited for Success: An Academy Delivery Partner and United By 2022 Partner 

Suited for Success ‘More Than Just a Suit’ project is working with grass-root community projects, charities, frontline agencies, and local businesses to engage, inspire, and connect communities to the employment, skills training and volunteering opportunities created by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The charity is also working with the WMCA Jobs and Skills Academy on the Stand Out Scheme, supporting unemployed young people (18-30) living in Ladywood, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, Handsworth, Lozells, Newtown and Nechells into employment and training opportunities.

Patricia White, CEO of Suited for Success states; “We are providing tailored wrap-around employment support prior, during, and after the Commonwealth Games to ensure positive progression for young people living in the inner-city areas of Birmingham.”

To find out more or to get in touch please visit: Suited For Success

Community Engagement Team - Supporting DWP

The Community Engagement Team have been supporting the WMCA and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) with jobs fairs and community events to promote the Games time roles to West Midlands job seekers.

Events have recently taken place at West Bromwich Albion, Ladywood Leisure Centre, Coventry Job Shop and Aston Villa. The events were well attended with high levels of interest in both employment opportunities and courses on offer through The Academy.

Register Your Interest - Games Changers

Do you want to be part of the biggest global event ever to be held in the West Midlands?

If so, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are looking to recruit multiple operational delivery roles within our Games Venues and Villages to help us deliver a fantastic event.

These roles are due to start from January 2022. If you would like more information or are interested in joining the team, please register now!