Wolverhampton City Council's Open Door work experience programme has won the Partnership Award at the WMCA Adult Learning Awards 2026 ceremony, held at STEAMhouse in Birmingham last week.

The awards recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations across the West Midlands who have gone above and beyond in adult learning, skills and training.

How Open Door Works

Open Door provides structured work experience placements for residents aged 18 and over who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Almost 80 people have been supported into paid employment through the programme.

Since April 2024, a total of 191 residents have been placed into work experience with City of Wolverhampton Council and local employers including 2Logic, First Right, Elec Training, NHS, Morro Partnerships, Eurowash, Gregary Stars, Compton Care, P & R Engineering, Horeb Digital Technology, Netshire, Verko Consulting and Symbiotex.

Work experience placements last between 4 and 12 weeks at up to 25 hours per week. The programme helps people actively seeking employment to develop their skillset and enhance their employability.

Open Door is also supporting the West Midlands Youth Trailblazer initiative and working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to support people into placements.

Support for Students

The team also helps Wolverhampton school, college and university students secure work experience, having sourced and offered 132 placements within the council since September 2025.

Council Recognition

Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Opportunities, said: "Congratulations to the Open Door team on winning this award. It is truly deserved for the tireless work they do to support the city's residents into work and training. They are making a real impact in equipping our residents with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. We need to ensure work placements are open to everyone, no matter their background – and Open Door provides a range of flexible options, improving transitions to education and training, and long-term job opportunities."

How to Apply

Anyone interested in joining the Open Door programme should email [email protected] or call 01902 552690.