A new skills and employment academy has been launched to help local people secure training and jobs tied to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The West Midlands Combined Authority is behind the initiative and says it hopes thousands of people will benefit from the new programme and secure employment.
The authority and its partners have launched the new Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy to boost opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting young people and unemployed adults.
The academy is an umbrella brand for all employment and skills programmes linked to the games including:on-site construction hubs and training already commissioned to support the new Athletes' Village in Perry Barr.
There is also an apprenticeship programme, support from contractors, pre-employment construction training already committed by suppliers and training support for volunteering programmes.
Take part in our Great Big Business Survey
Calling all business owners and business leaders - we want to
The coronavirus crisis has changed the way we do business virtually every night and we want to know exactly what it has meant for you and your business.
The Government has been forced to launch an unprecedented programme of support for businesses, worth hundreds of billions of pounds.
But other businesses have found new opportunities, from supporting the NHS with equipment supplies to switching to home delivery services.
will only take a few minutes to fill in and we’re running this survey on dozens of different news sites across our parent company, Reach PLC.
You can help us get a true national picture of what’s happening to businesses, to entrepreneurs, to managers and to workers across the country.
Please take part in the Great Big Business Survey .
As part of the academy, the combined authority has allocated £1 million from its devolved Adult Education Budget to fund technical skills development.
This is aimed at helping individuals and businesses prepare for Commonwealth Games-related opportunities.
Most Read
The funding will support training in leadership and management skills to help local businesses in related industries such as hospitality, events and security win contracts for the games.
There will also be support for local people to gain new skills in digital marketing, event management, hospitality, team leading and sports coaching.
Further rounds of funding are due to be allocated in the future.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it would create for young people across the West Midlands.
"I am therefore pleased that, two years out, we are already starting to put measures in place to make sure people can capitalise on these opportunities and be part of what is certain to be a generation-defining moment for our region.
"I would encourage everyone to look at the training we are making available and think about what role they would like to play, not just for the Commonwealth Games but in shaping our region for the future.
"The games are going to be a real game-changer for our region and we have to make sure every resident sees the benefit."
Don’t miss
Ian Reid, chief executive of games organiser Birmingham 2022, added: "We know that many people and businesses trying to navigate these uncertain times are looking for new opportunities and a sense of hope.
"The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is far more than just a celebration of sport and culture.
"It will offer those opportunities and bring significant benefits that will be felt right across the city and region.
"To deliver Birmingham 2022, more than 40,000 games time roles will be created. This means that local people can work as part of the team that delivers the biggest event the West Midlands has ever witnessed.
"This new training programme, funded through the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, will enable local people to develop their skills so they're ready to take full advantage of the huge variety of employment and contract opportunities that Birmingham 2022 will bring."