Youth transitions to good employment: East Birmingham & North Solihull

This project will investigate the transitions of young individuals aged 16-24 into good employment in East Birmingham and North Solihull (EBNS). Good employment is conceptualised as a job which offers security and opportunities for progression.

Why this project is important

Birmingham is central to national prospects for economic growth. However, there are significant labour market challenges to meet if growth is to benefit local populations and address existing inequalities. EBNS has high non-employment, below average qualification levels, and high deprivation with a young, ethnically diverse population.

What it will involve

The aim is to improve our understanding of, and ability to address, localised inequalities as a means of promoting inclusive growth. Five research questions will be addressed through a mixed-methods approach:

1. What does the evidence on employment and skills trajectories and outcomes tell us about the accessibility and effectiveness of support for different young people?
2. What do future employment opportunities look like and what are employers’ perspectives on prospects for integrating young people from EBNS into the workforce?
3. How far are different young people from good employment and how do they navigate that journey?
4. What insights and policy learning does the experience of young people’s journeys towards good employment in EBNS yield at local, regional, and national scales for public, private, and third sectors?
5. How can we use the evidence from the research to co-design an employment and skills intervention to be implemented in EBNS?

The research is structured around five work packages which combine secondary data analysis, a school/college survey, employer interviews, and biographical interviews with young people. The project will be delivered collaboratively by the University of Birmingham with Birmingham City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Demos, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

How it will make a difference

The findings will produce valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the broader community on accessibility to support services, future employment prospects, and the strategies young individuals use to navigate transitions to employment.