In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI.
In the latest blog of the series, we look at City-REDI’S current work with the School of Education at the University of Birmingham leading a pivotal research initiative aimed at examining youth employment prospects in East Birmingham and North Solihull. Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the project, titled Youth Transitions to Good Employment: East Birmingham & North Solihull, runs from January 2025 to December 2026.
Project Overview
This research seeks to understand and address the challenges faced by young people aged 16–24 in accessing quality employment opportunities in areas characterised by high unemployment and significant deprivation. The focus is on promoting inclusive growth by improving place-based policies that support youth transitions into ‘good employment’—defined as jobs offering security, fair pay, and opportunities for progression.
The project is a collaborative effort between the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council (BCC), Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). This partnership aims to provide a comprehensive empirical account of how macro-level employment opportunities intersect with the local demographics, assets, and challenges of East Birmingham and North Solihull.
Research Objectives
The project will address five key research questions through a mixed-methods approach:
- Effectiveness of Support Services: Assessing the accessibility and impact of employment and skills services for young people in the region.
- Future Employment Opportunities: Exploring the perspectives of employers on integrating young people from these areas into the workforce.
- Navigating Employment Journeys: Understanding how different young individuals navigate their paths to good employment.
- Policy Insights: Deriving insights for policy development at local, regional, and national levels to support youth employment.
- Co-designing Interventions: Utilizing research findings to co-design employment and skills interventions tailored to the needs of East Birmingham and North Solihull.
Broader Impact
The findings from this project are expected to contribute significantly to understanding how place-based policies can address youth unemployment and promote inclusive economic growth. By focusing on East Birmingham and North Solihull, the research aims to provide a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
For more information on this project, visit the Project Page.
This blog was written by Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director, City-REDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.