‘Too many young people in the West Midlands are leaving school without the qualifications they need to move forward, whether that’s into further education, a good job or an apprenticeship' feweek.co.uk/mayors-power...

Why I've asked for more mayoral powers over skills

The West Midlands region has been let down by Westminster. It's time for us to manage our own economy

Just finished it. Loved it. Sounded a terrible idea for a series, but was gripped.

Really enjoyable and stimulating Multiverse / Demos roundtable on growth and skills levy. Particularly impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of MPs Chi Onwurah and Lola McEvoy to use skills investment to stimulate economic growth in places and their key sectors. #Lab24

Kicking off the day at #Lab24#innovation#skills are vital to delivering Labour’s missions with WM Mayor Richard Parker and Skills Minister Jacqui Smith.

Delighted to be on the front row at Conference to hear Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, set out his commitment to tackling youth unemployment across the region and improve opportunities for young people. It will take all of us to work together. Get in touch if you can help. #Lab24

Us too. Will send you a note on how we are doing this across the West Mids.

As Richard Parker said “evidence is everything”. Very grateful to have been able to use the research from Youth Futures Foundation to help us understand what works in tackling youth unemployment.

Great to join YFF and WM Mayor Richard Parker at the Skills Hub to discuss place based approaches to tackling youth unemployment.

Happy to send you more detailed note on why and what we can do about it, if helpful.

Apprenticeship starts have fallen across the country since the previous reforms, but our region particularly hard hit. Where they do exist, opportunities have also shifted to existing staff, who are older and already more well qualified. Need to refocus on helping young people start their careers.