How the Ladder for the Black Country has changed youngsters' lives

The Ladder for the Black Country, the Ladder for Staffordshire, and the Ladder for Shropshire have made a huge difference to lives of youngsters in the region.

Each apprenticeship is estimated to deliver a £10,000 boost to the economy, meaning the Ladder campaigns have contributed more than £1 million.

Today, MPs and leading figures praised the pioneering campaign led by the Express & Star.

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds said: "It is fantastic that the Express and Star's campaign has helped create over 1,000 apprentices.

"Both the business and the apprentices across the Black Country will be benefiting as a result. Apprenticeships offer a clear path to a successful career.

"They are a ladder that help people progress into employment. I hope the campaign will continue to go from strength to strength."

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said: "The Ladder for the Black Country and Staffordshire schemes have touched and benefited the lives of so many, giving people the opportunity to get on the work ladder.

"It is a real credit to both the Express & Star and many local businesses for giving 1,000 people the chance to get into work and change their lives."

Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling said: "I am a huge supporter of Ladder for Staffordshire and the work they do promoting apprenticeships, it is fantastic that they have now passed the 1,000 mark. Well done to the whole team for their achievement. If you are a business wanting an apprentice or someone wanting to start an apprenticeship, I would encourage you to get in touch with Ladder for Staffordshire."

Dudley North MP Ian Austin added:"Providing 1,000 apprenticeships is a remarkable achievement. Imagine how much stronger Britain's economy would be if every newspaper followed the Express & Star's lead in supporting local business and giving local youngsters a chance.

"We need to make education and skills our number one priority because the only way we'll attract the new investment and jobs on which the Black Country's prosperity depends is by having the skills new industries need."

And Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said: "There is no doubt that apprenticeships are making a difference in Walsall. We are seeing a renaissance not just in regeneration but from a jobs point of view as well."

The idea for the campaign started when the Duke of York visited Walsall Studio School and had a conversation with Kevin Davis, chief executive of the Vine Trust.

That led to a delegation from the Express & Star, training provider Performance Through People (PTP), the Vine Trust, and local authorities to Buckingham Palace for a meeting. The Ladder for the Black Country was then born, launched in September 2014 and expanded to include the Ladder for Staffordshire and the Ladder for Shropshire.

Mr Davis said: "What a fantastic result for the Black Country. The Vine Trust has always recognised that it's mission to support young people, is most effective when it's done in partnership with industry, local authorities, community, and the press, an 'Economy of together'.

"It's just over two years since our partners in industry, local authority and the press, gathered at Buckingham Palace, to plan the Ladder for the Black Country. Little did we know that this grand setting would be the catalyst for the creation of campaign that has spread from the Black Country to Shropshire, Staffordshire and beyond."

And PTP managing director Rob Colbourne added: "The Ladder is a brand that people trust, and feedback is very positive regarding the information advice and guidance clients have received, allowing them to make an informed decision."

He added: "The Duke is a big supporter of apprenticeships – believing it is an important route into work. By choosing to do an apprenticeship it never closes the door to university."

For more details go to ladderfortheblackcountry.co.uk or call 03332 409 699.