LONG-TERM job seekers in Coventry have received a boost after a new employment scheme was announced.
The pilot project hopes to give people in Binley and Willenhall tailored job advice and specialist support.
These areas have been identified as two of nine areas in the West Midlands where unemployment is high and levels of pay are low.
There will be a particular focus on young people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has awarded Reed in Partnership a £500,000 contract to deliver the three-year scheme starting this summer.
The scheme along with the seven others across the region will help up to 4,500 people find work, with an emphasis on supporting people in to better paid jobs, the WMCA says.
George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council and the WMCA’s portfolio holder for productivity and skills, said: “There are record numbers of jobs being created in the West Midlands but some people are still missing out.
“So I’m pleased to have Reed in Partnership on board to help make sure everyone in society has the chance to benefit from the job opportunities out there.”
Harjinder Sidhu operations manager at Reed in Partnership – a public services provider – said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide employment support to the residents of Binley and Willenhall including those who are connected to these communities.
“Our service will give local people the skills, confidence and know-how they need to start and sustain work.
“We’ll be bringing together people and businesses in the area to help the community thrive and each person who enters work will have a tree planted to celebrate their achievement. We can’t wait to get started.”
The scheme, which is being funded by the WMCA using a £4million Department for Work and Pensions grant, is designed to help equip low paid workers with the skills needed to land better jobs.
The location-based support is aimed at making it easier to engage with local residents and to encourage the communities themselves to use their existing social networks to help spread the word about the opportunities and support available.
