The recently appointed Minister for Employment has visited our Restart Scheme in Birmingham to see how tailored employment support is helping people across the region overcome barriers, build skills and secure sustainable jobs.
During the visit, the Minister met with colleagues, participants, employers and local community partners, to learn more about the tailored support helping people build confidence, develop skills and secure meaningful work.
The visit also showcased the immediate impact of intensive employment support for young people.
Andrew Western met groups of 18 to 24-year-olds who had completed a two-week employability programme designed to prepare them for the workplace and build confidence ahead of job interviews.
Later that day, participants interviewed for roles with retailer One Beyond – with 10 people subsequently securing jobs and starting work just three days later.
One participant shared:
“The Restart Scheme was great, and I enjoyed the training and support I got. I’m really pleased to now be in work.”
The Minister saw a range of support in action, including job clubs, employer-led training and personalised employment coaching designed to help people move towards sustainable employment.
He also saw demonstrations of AI-enabled translation and transcription technology, which can help job coaches communicate with participants whose first language is not English and reduce barriers to accessing employment support.
Minister for Employment Andrew Western MP said:
“It was great to see the breadth of activity that was taking place to help people into employment. By bringing together local initiatives, we can help build the skilled workforce that our businesses need and deliver opportunity to all corners of the country.”
He added:
“This is just one part of our plan to help people back into work. We’ve rebalanced Universal Credit to remove barriers that held people back from employment and are supporting young people into work through our £2.5 billion youth employment support package.”
Andy Bowie, Director of Employment, Assessments and Training at Serco, said:
“Hosting Minister for Employment Andrew Western at our Restart Scheme Birmingham office highlighted the passion and professionalism of our teams, the innovative use of technology to enhance participant support, and the strength of our employer partnerships.
“His visit affirmed the quality and dedication driving the incredible work we do every day to help people overcome barriers and find meaningful employment.”
The visit highlighted how employment providers, employers and community organisations are working together across the West Midlands to help local people develop skills, overcome barriers and move into long-term employment.
Since 2021, the Restart Scheme at Serco has supported more than 36,000 people into jobs across the West Midlands and Wales.
