PEOPLE from underrepresented groups have been given the chance to undertake a paid work placement with a project called 'I Can Dudley'.

Dudley Council and Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust are running the new pilot programme, funded by the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund, which opens up chances for local people of all ages to work in local authority and NHS settings.

'I Can Dudley' is particularly aimed at underrepresented groups including people from ethnically diverse communities, individuals with a disabilities and care leavers, giving them an opportunity to access support, mentoring and working experience to develop skills and confidence, practical knowledge and abilities to fulfil successful careers.

In April 2024 the authority took on its first cohort of paid work placements, 50 per cent of whom have successfully secured permanent jobs including two who have secured permanent roles at the council.

In September 2024, the second cohort of nine paid work placements were successfully awarded posts in administration and street scene roles, and one nature reserve warden, across the council and all officially began their roles at the end of September.

The admin placements are with children’s services, adult social care, law and governance and the chief executive's office.

This year, Dudley Council and Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust have collectively supported 30 local residents into paid work placements as part of the 'I Can Dudley' initiative.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environmental services at Dudley Council, said: “I am very pleased that Dudley Council has afforded these bright, young people the opportunity to join busy council teams.

"The experience they will gain over the next few months will be invaluable in setting them up for their future careers. Our officers will mentor them and deploy them to frontline and back-office duties once they’ve received the training required."