Building Futures: SIPS Education Launches Employer-Led Programme to Inspire Young Talent

Boosting Skills Pathways in Construction

SIPS Education is proud to announce an exciting new initiative designed to transform career opportunities for young people across Sandwell and the wider West Midlands. Backed by a £46,700 grant from The Careers & Enterprise Company, this programme will run from November 2025 to July 2026, focusing on boosting skills pathways and connecting students with thriving local growth sectors.

Why This Matters

According to the Sandwell Economic Dashboard for September 2025 (The Economic Intelligence Unit), 3150 16–24-year-olds are benefits claimants looking for work, which is the 4^th highest nationally, whilst the employment rate for the same age cohort is the 11^th lowest.

As of June 2025, the overall employment rate for Sandwell saw a year-on-year reduction of 1.9% to 65.7% against a UK-wide rate of 75.4% (which improved by 0.1%) which means the borough needs a further 20,255 residents to be in employment.      

The world of work is changing rapidly, and sectors like construction and infrastructure are brimming with opportunities. Yet, many young people remain unaware of the exciting careers available—or lack the confidence and guidance to pursue them. This programme aims to change that by bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring students are not only informed but inspired.

What’s Happening?

Over the next academic year, SIPS Education will deliver an employer-led outreach programme in five schools, engaging around 500 students in total. The initiative is built on three core ambitions:

• Boost opportunities for young people in growth sectors.
• Increase enthusiasm for careers with real prospects.
• Improve conversion from interest to actual uptake of apprenticeships, further education, and job roles.

Key Highlights

• Inspiring Careers Live: A dynamic online session showcasing sector pathways, reaching an audience of up to 6,000 young viewers.
• Hands-On Workshops: Construction skills sessions led by employers, giving students practical insights.
• Teacher Encounters: Training for educators to become Construction Careers Champions, equipping them to guide students effectively.
• Workplace Visits: Real-world experiences at Network Rail and Midland Metro Alliance for Year 12 students.
• Birmingham Construction Careers Summit: An opportunity for priority schools to connect with industry leaders.

The Impact

This programme isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. By the end of Summer 2026, we aim to see:

• An increase in applications to apprenticeships and FE courses from underrepresented groups, including young women and those from global majority backgrounds.
• A measurable rise in student interest in construction careers across participating schools.

Collaboration at Its Core

SIPS Education will work closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority,  CITB, CECA Midlands,  Midland Metro Alliance, and many employers across the region,  ensuring students gain authentic insights from employers who are shaping the future of the region.

This is more than a programme—it’s a movement to empower the next generation with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. For more details, visit www.sips.co.uk.