Training and recruitment
How do I expand or upskill my Sandwell team?
Investing in people is one of the most effective ways to nurture a thriving business. When you’re ready to grow your Sandwell organisation in terms of skills and/or size, the Think Sandwell Employment and Skills team is here to help. See below for other organisations that offer support with recruitment and training. 
Work with the Think Sandwell Employment and Skills team
Get support with growing your team
Whether taking on staff for the first time or adding to your existing team, the Think Sandwell Employment and Skills team provides tailored support to guide you through the recruitment process at no cost to your business.
After we’ve talked through your specific needs, we can help you with preparing job descriptions, vacancy advertisements and even interviews.
We have many partnerships with employment and skills organisations, locally and nationally, so we always have the latest information to give you on schemes, programmes and incentives for employers.
Take on an apprentice
We are passionate about apprenticeships. They allow you to give someone a boost in their career while upskilling your organisation in a cost-effective way.
We provide expert support all the way through the apprenticeship process, offering you and your apprentice everything from guidance on suitable qualification routes to sourcing appropriate training provision. Various grants and incentives are available, so we can support you with applying for these.
Nurture a diverse and inclusive workforce
Sandwell Council’s Specialist Employment Team offers support for employers who are employing people who may need additional support – including people with disabilities and health conditions.
Help someone to ‘Restart’
Can you work with Sandwell Council’s employment team to help local people back into employment? Restart is a 12-month programme for people claiming Universal Credit. The council is currently supporting around 300 people on the scheme, mostly in Oldbury and West Bromwich, giving them help to apply for jobs, improve employability skills and set goals. Read all about Restart in our news story (July 2022).
For all of the schemes listed above, email enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk to talk about how we can help.
Find training and skills support for your team
Adult Skills for Work
This scheme offers a wide variety of accredited training courses for residents of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley and Sandwell, who are already in employment, but who want to improve their skills in order to progress. Visit the website for more information.
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership
The Black Country LEP is always looking to raise the employability and education levels and skills of people in our region. Visit the Employers section of the Black Country LEP website to read about current support.
Help to Grow: Management Course
This 12-week programme is funded by the UK government and provides small and medium businesses with leadership support. Visit the official website to find out more.
Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Service (SAFL)
SAFL is the adult education department of Sandwell Council. Open to people aged 19+ who live in Sandwell or the West Midlands area, it offers both daytime and evening courses. SAFL also works with Sandwell businesses and employers to create bespoke training tailored to each individual business’ needs. Visit the website for more information.
Skills Support for Redundancy
This initiative is designed to support employers and individuals affected by redundancy. A dedicated Partnership Coordinator will work with you to identify the best sources of support and training to help you achieve your career goals and get back to work. Find out more by visiting the website.
Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) in the Black Country
SSW is here to upskill people working in Black Country SMEs. It provides accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance your employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of your business and boost the local economy. You can find out more at the SSW website.
Use your skills to boost other people
The Careers & Enterprise Company
If you’re keen to encourage the next generation to join your industry, or give back to the Sandwell community, perhaps consider volunteering with the Careers & Enterprise Company? Whether you can give just an hour at a careers event, or become a fully trained Enterprise Adviser, there are several ways to pass on your skills and knowledge. Have a look at the Employers & Volunteers page of the Careers & Enterprise Company website.
Events
We will add relevant events here. Contact us if you’re holding a careers or skills event, online or in person, that you’d like to share.
Page last updated in August 2022.
