From Challenge to Triumph
Switching Gears into a New IT Career
In Birmingham, Chris Jobson, an IT Technician at Pathway Group, met Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker during the launch of a new youth employment initiative by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Chris’s academic journey was fraught with challenges. He struggled with motivation during his school years, which is reflected in his modest GCSE results, which barred him from pursuing a career in health and social care. This obstacle, however, marked a pivotal beginning.
Pivoting to IT, Chris enrolled in a Level 2 IT qualification at Solihull College. While the coursework didn’t initially challenge him, it ignited a deep interest in technology. Recognising the need for practical skills, he secured an apprenticeship, which opened doors to a contract role with SCC and, ultimately, a permanent position as an IT assistant.
Now a seasoned IT technician, Chris aims to complete an Advanced-Level Apprenticeship to further his expertise in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. His story resonates strongly with Mayor Parker’s initiative, which seeks to generate 20,000 new opportunities for young people in key sectors, including construction, to prepare them for a promising future in their chosen careers.
'significant academic challenges'
IT Technician at Pathway Group
In the bustling city of Birmingham, Chris Jobson, an IT Technician at Pathway Group, met Mayor Richard Parker of the West Midlands Combined Authority while launching a significant youth employment initiative.
During his school years, Chris faced significant academic challenges, struggling to maintain interest and motivation, which was reflected in his GCSE results. Initially aspiring to a career in Health and Social Care, his grades restricted him from pursuing relevant courses. This setback, however, marked the beginning.
Seeking new opportunities, Chris enrolled in a Level 2 IT qualification at Solihull College. Though he found the coursework less challenging, it sparked a burgeoning interest in information technology. Recognising the need for practical experience to complement his academic pursuits, Chris ventured into the world of apprenticeships, securing a Level 2 apprenticeship.
This real-world experience proved invaluable, leading him to a short-term contract with SCC and eventually to a permanent role as an IT assistant.
“Meeting with Mayor Richard Parker was an incredible experience. It was great to share my journey and discuss how the new opportunities can empower young people like me.”
'20,000 new opportunities for young people'
Today, Chris works as an IT technician at Pathway Group. His aspirations don’t stop here; he is actively working toward completing an Advanced Level Apprenticeship, aiming to further his expertise and advance his career in the fast-evolving IT landscape.
Chris met Mayor of the West Midlands at a gathering this week, symbolising the essence of the mayor’s new youth employment plan, which aims to create 20,000 new opportunities for young people in the region through work placements, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. Chris shared his journey, embodying the potential successes the initiative strives to achieve on a broader scale.
'Giving young people the best possible start in life'
Mayor of the West Midlands
The Youth Employment Initiative focuses on sectors like construction, where an additional 35,600 workers are predicted to be needed by 2028.
It includes pre-employment training, work coach support, fully funded training up to level 3, and access to a wide range of support services.
These measures are designed to give young people in the West Midlands the best possible start in life, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in their chosen careers.