Pictured above: Jerry Blackett, chief executive, Birmingham Chamber Group 

Three thousand apprenticeship jobs will be created in the Midlands in a joint initiative between Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) and Birmingham Metropolitan College, it was announced today (Monday, October 4).

In an effort to combat the highest unemployment figures in any of the core cities in the UK, the demand-driven initiative will provide the hi tech skills needed to support all growing business sectors and organizations across the region.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of BCCG, said: "Using our connectivity through widespread networks, we will be encouraging our 9,000 members and affiliates across Birmingham, Solihull, Burton, Chase, Lichfield and Tamworth, to place 3,000 young people into jobs in the next three years. 

"The apprenticeship programmes will help employers take on staff who will gain the skills and qualifications which are essential for businesses to compete in national and international markets."

Birmingham Metropolitan College has already worked successfully with hundreds of companies who will be benefiting from employing apprentices. Samsung Premier Service Network, BSkyB, BMW, Cadbury, Dixons Retail, Eon and others all have apprenticeship programmes which support the investment they have made in future leaders.

The college is recognised as the country's national digital training hub with the recent opening of the Samsung Digital Service Academy. The first apprentices have already begun their digital installation course.

Pictured above: Dr. Christine Braddock, Principal and Chief Executive of Birmingham Metropolitan College

The Baxi Group sponsors the Baxi Innovation Academy at the James Watt Campus in Great Barr. This centre in the north of Birmingham is the engineering training hub. Apprentices will soon be starting courses to gain qualifications in sustainable energies, green technologies and high tech engineering.

Mr. Blackett said: "This innovative partnership between the West Midlands' largest business organisation and the largest further education providers will transform the regional economy. This will meet the skills shortages currently hindering the workforce, ultimately driving forward business growth."

Dr. Christine Braddock, Principal and Chief Executive of Birmingham Metropolitan College said: "We are delighted to be working with the Chamber in creating 3,000 apprentice jobs. We are supported by some of the Midlands' largest public and private sector companies in a range of industries. We know there is a renaissance in the manufacturing fortunes of the region with traditional manufacturing firms being replaced by companies focusing on the 'new technology' sectors. We are well placed to meet these needs. We already have many good news stories about current apprentices, a number who have progressed on to degree programmes as part of their apprenticeships and are enjoying well paid careers."