Empowering Local Talent
Pathway Group and Ingeus Collaborate to Enhance Employment Opportunities in Birmingham and Dudley
In a concerted effort to tackle unemployment and strengthen the local manufacturing sector, Pathway Group has partnered with Ingeus to support participants of the Restart Scheme. This initiative is designed to equip unemployed individuals in Birmingham and Dudley with the skills and confidence needed to secure sustainable employment.
The Restart Scheme, commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides tailored support to Universal Credit claimants seeking to re-enter the workforce. Ingeus is crucial in delivering this scheme, working closely with Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches and local employers to connect participants with meaningful job opportunities.
growing demand for skilled manufacturing professionals
Recognising the growing demand for skilled manufacturing professionals, Pathway Group and Ingeus have co-designed a Skills Bootcamp in Lean Manufacturing. This innovative programme has been shaped by direct input from local employers to ensure participants develop industry-relevant skills.
The Skills Bootcamp provides an in-depth understanding of key manufacturing principles, with a strong focus on:
- Lean Manufacturing Principles – Learning how to reduce waste and enhance efficiency in manufacturing processes.
- Communicating and Working Effectively – Developing essential workplace communication and teamwork skills.
- Health & Safety – Understanding safety regulations to ensure a secure working environment.
- Working Relationships – Cultivating professional relationships within a manufacturing setting.
- Organisational and Problem-Solving Techniques – Equipping participants with tools to tackle workplace challenges efficiently.
- Manufacturing Operations – Gaining hands-on experience with essential manufacturing processes.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Production – Understanding JIT principles to streamline production and reduce inventory costs.
- The 5S of Manufacturing – Implementing the Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain methodology to enhance workplace organisation.
- Kaizen Principles – Adopting continuous improvement strategies to refine manufacturing operations.
- Operational Excellence – Achieving high standards of efficiency and quality in production.
- Problem-Solving Techniques – Learning how to analyse and resolve operational issues effectively.
- Preparing and Concluding Manufacturing Operations – Mastering the complete workflow of manufacturing production cycles.
- Producing Products by Processing – Gaining practical experience transforming raw materials into finished goods.
- Industrial Environmental Awareness – Understanding environmental regulations and sustainability practices in manufacturing.
prepared for employment in manufacturing
To date, twelve Restart Scheme participants have completed the Lean Manufacturing Skills Bootcamp. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, they have developed a comprehensive skill set that prepares them for employment in the manufacturing industry.
It was great to celebrate with the learners who successfully graduated from their Lean Warehousing Skills Bootcamp. Each particular has completed one hundred hours of group learning and 1:1 coaching. The manufacturing, warehousing and construction sectors are on the up and we are working hard to support our participants with skills to get ahead in this sector. Thanks to Alex Crowther for securing this provision. Gully Kailey for working with Pathway Group’s Employer Services team to identify suitable job opportunities
Michael Watson, Business Manager at Ingeus, Dudley
felt within the local economy
The impact of this initiative is already being felt within the local economy. Several participants have secured roles in manufacturing firms, bringing fresh perspectives and newly acquired expertise to their workplaces. Employers have reported increased productivity and operational efficiency as a direct result of the high-quality training provided.
This partnership between Pathway Group and Ingeus demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving employment and economic growth. By aligning training programmes with industry needs and providing holistic support to job seekers, this initiative is paving the way for a stronger, more skilled workforce in Birmingham and Dudley.
