29/06/2026
Residents in Dudley have been given a boost after the UK’s Skills Minister visited a local learning centre aimed at helping people back into work and improving their career prospects.
Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State for Education, visited the Dudley College of Technology’s Skills Shop at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill. During her visit, she met adults taking part in training programmes designed to help them gain new skills and move into employment, supported by the College and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The visit coincided with a major government announcement to support young people into work. A new initiative will help 60,000 unemployed 18–24-year-olds who have been out of work for six months to find jobs as part of the government’s Youth Guarantee scheme. Under the plans, employers will receive £3,000 for taking on a young person.
The scheme forms part of wider efforts to tackle youth unemployment and reduce the number of young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training). In Dudley, the issue remains significant, with 21.5% of young people currently falling into this category.
The government hopes the financial incentives will encourage employers to give young people their first opportunity in the workplace. As part of the offer, the government will cover 100% of employment costs for up to 25 hours a week at the relevant minimum wage, helping to lower the financial barrier for businesses.
During her visit, Ms Smith was accompanied by local Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles saw first-hand how local initiatives are already helping people into work. She met learners enrolled in Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), which aim to build confidence and provide practical skills for careers in areas such as security, data processing and the Civil Service.
The Skills Shop itself acts as a one-stop centre for careers advice, job support and training. Located in the busy retail environment of Merry Hill, it offers an accessible space where local residents can improve essential skills such as English, maths and IT, while also gaining work-ready experience through targeted programmes.
Diana Martin, Chief Executive of Dudley College of Technology, said the centre has already made a significant difference to the local community.
“I am delighted to showcase the work we do here at the Skills Shop. In the last five years, 2,500 learners have completed programmes here, with over half of them moving straight into work on completion,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of partnership working in tackling barriers to employment.
“It is only through close partnership working with the Department for Work and Pensions, the National Careers Service, Jobcentre Plus and Merry Hill Centre that we can support adults to overcome the barriers they face and secure long-term employment.
“I welcome any measures that build momentum in addressing the high unemployment rate, which is preventing both young people and adults from fulfilling their potential.”
The visit underlined the role of community-based facilities like the Skills Shop in supporting both young people and adults across Dudley to gain the skills needed for today’s job market, while reinforcing the government’s focus on tackling unemployment at a local level.
