Celebrating Skills, Opportunity, and Youth Talent
On a sunny day in Birmingham, Pathway Group was proud to welcome Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to Xcelerate with Edgbaston Compass Group UK & Ireland’s flagship hospitality training facility and a proud delivery partner of our Path to Apprenticeship programme.
Their visit marked a significant moment – not only as a recognition of the collaborative work between education, government, and industry – but as an opportunity for our young people to take centre stage.
"Showcasing Talent,
Sharing Experiences"
During the visit, our young people currently engaged on the Path to Apprenticeship programme had the opportunity to demonstrate their hospitality skills in a live environment and share their personal experiences into training and employment. Their insights, passion, and professionalism left a lasting impression on both Minister Smith and Mayor Parker, reinforcing the real-world impact of accessible, high-quality skills provision.
"A Platform for Policy and Progress"
The event also served as a timely reminder to highlight Minister Jacqui Smith’s proposed foundation and shorter apprenticeship programmes—initiatives designed to make apprenticeships more flexible and inclusive, particularly for young people facing barriers to employment. Her ongoing conversations reflect a shared commitment to creating a more responsive and equitable skills system.
Mayor Richard Parker’s visit, raised the awreness of the meaningful discussions around the impact of the Path to Apprenticeship programme in addressing youth unemployment across the region. The Mayor has pledged to create 20,000 opportunities for young people in the West Midlands – through training, apprenticeships, and work experience – and highlighted the role of partnerships like ours in helping to make that vision a reality.
"Partnerships, Driving Aspirations"
Martin Chandler, Chief Engagement & Experience Officer at Pathway Group, took the opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Parker about the longstanding partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland, which has been significantly developed and strengthened through the Path to Apprenticeship programme, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Martin shared how this initiative is helping to engage and inspire young people aspiring to careers in hospitality, and how, with the support of Compass Group UK & I, Pathway Group is proudly working with iconic Birmingham employers such as Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham City Football Club, and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Together, they are helping young people discover meaningful, long-term careers in the hospitality sector.
In response, Mayor Richard Parker thanked Martin and the Pathway Group team for their continued dedication and commitment to supporting the young people of the West Midlands through opportunity-led engagement and impactful programmes.
Changing Lives Through Skills and Work
At Pathway Group, our mission is simple: to change lives through skills and work. The visit to Xcelerate with Edgbaston was a celebration of what is possible when opportunity meets ambition – and a reminder of the power of partnership to create real, lasting impact in our communities.
We extend our thanks to Minister Jacqui Smith and Mayor Richard Parker for their time, insight, and ongoing support in championing young people and the future of skills in the West Midlands.