A new website to help adults find training, education and job opportunities in the West Midlands has been launched.

The Find Your Future website has been set up to support those looking to get into work or seeking to change career and offers practical advice on the range of options available to improve their skills or find work.

People always say it is too hard to find the right training so this website, helps people to cut through the wide range of options available to find the opportunities that are right for them.

It includes the courses funded by the £130m West Midlands adult education budget as well as support for study, training, job hunting, CV and job interview advice. There’s also information on getting involved in volunteering, starting a business or exploring career options; as well as support for special needs and mental health concerns.

Whether people are looking for work or a career change generally or following the end of furlough there is something for everyone.  It will highlight those sectors, such as the hospitality industry, with high vacancy rates and provide information on new areas of job growth like tech. Find Your Future was created by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with social enterprise Youth Employment UK and is targeted at over 19s in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It is imperative that we support people in gaining the skills they need to get back into work following the pandemic and the end of furlough.

“With the support of local authorities, colleges and employers across the West Midlands, the WMCA are doing all we can to make that happen, and this website will help make a real difference to those looking for work, training, or advice, with a focus on quality jobs with long-term prospects. It is all part of the plan I set out to create 100,000 jobs lost during the pandemic, focusing on the high growth areas of our economy such as digital, green industry, construction and healthcare, as well as areas with high vacancy rates like HGV driving and hospitality.”

Leader of Coventry City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills, Councillor George Duggins, said: “The region has been hit hard by the pandemic and the end of furlough may see a further impact on jobs.

“But we are determined to use our adult education budget to help people back into work quickly. There are training and job opportunities available, both to fill current vacancies and get the skills of the future.

“The Find your Future website is the first port of call for anyone in the West Midlands looking for employment, education and training.”

Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK said “Once again WMCA are leading the way in helping people in their communities access training, support and employment opportunities in the local area.

“We know that it can be difficult to navigate all of the information and opportunities at a local level and so this portal will provide a great one-stop-shop to people across WMCA who want to find their future, get on and get ahead. There are literally thousands of opportunities to connect with and the portal will help everyone explore what is next.”

Jobs, and placement and training opportunities available within ‘Find Your Future’ shine a light on the growth sectors in the West Midlands such as logistics, rail, construction, digital, and health and social care, with thanks to major employers located within the region.