Better Pathways is proud to announce that we have been selected to lead the new Connect to Work programme in Birmingham — a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)–funded initiative, managed locally by Birmingham City Council (BCC). The programme will support young people aged 16–29 who are facing barriers to employment, helping them to develop skills, confidence, and positive pathways into sustainable work.
Better Pathways will deliver the programme through a strong, community-focused consortium including FareShare Midlands, The Disability Resource Centre (DRC), The BUSY Group, and Colebridge Trust. Together, we will provide a joined-up support offer that reflects the diverse needs of young people across Birmingham.
Supporting Young People to Move Closer to Work
Connect to Work supports young people in Birmingham who want to move into employment but face barriers, including disabilities, learning disabilities, learning difficulties, long-term health conditions, neurodiverse conditions, and mental health needs.
What the programme provides:
- One-to-one support with a named Employment Specialist
- Practical job prep: CVs, applications and interview practice
- Skills development & sector-focused training tailored to your goals
- Digital inclusion support to access opportunities and apply confidently
- Community links to local networks, tasters and real vacancies
- Supported progression into training, volunteering or employment
- In-work support with regular check-ins to help you settle, perform and stay
A Partnership Built to Maximise Impact Across Birmingham
Delivery of Connect to Work will be strengthened by the complementary expertise of each partner:
| Better Pathways | Mental health, wellbeing, holistic support, and inclusive employment pathways |
| FareShare Midlands | Deep community reach, engagement, and access to grassroots networks |
| Disability Resource Centre (DRC) | Specialist disability, accessibility, and health-condition support, and employability support |
| The BUSY Group | High-quality employability training and skills development |
| Colebridge Trust | Employer engagement, workplace support, community health, employability support, family hub and the enterprise business |
Together, our consortium will ensure that young people receive the right support at the right time, with a clear focus on long-term progression and sustainable employment.
A Collective Commitment to Birmingham’s Young People
“We are honoured to lead Connect to Work in Birmingham. This programme gives
young people aged 16–29 the chance to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and
move forward positively. Working with our trusted partners, we will provide high-quality
support that reflects the needs of Birmingham’s diverse communities.”
Claire Bullard, Head of Contracts, Better Pathways
“Connect to Work will make a meaningful difference to young people across the city.
By working with experienced community-based organisations, we are ensuring that
support is accessible, targeted and tailored to individual needs.”
Tabriz Hussain, Commissioning Manager, Birmingham City Council
“The BUSY Group are proud to work alongside local partners to support young people
in Birmingham. This programme reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, practical
pathways into employment for those who face the greatest barriers.”
Rhys Morris, Managing Director, The BUSY Group UK
“By working through our community networks, we can ensure that young people who
may not otherwise access employment support are reached and engaged.”
FareShare Midlands
“Colebridge Trust are very excited to be partnering with like-minded organisations and
using our expertise to support young people to find and stay in work”
The Colebridge Trust
Strengthening Inclusive Growth Across Birmingham
Connect to Work aims not only to support young people into employment, but to contribute to wider goals around:
- Reducing youth unemployment
- Supporting inclusive economic growth
- Improving wellbeing and resilience
- Connecting employers with diverse, work-ready applicants
Employers will benefit from no-cost recruitment support, tailored pre-employment preparation, and ongoing in-work support to improve retention while local Birmingham citizens will benefit from tailored support to enter and thrive in the job market.
How to register / refer:
Email: connecttowork@betterpathways.org.uk
Call: 0121 773 1455
Visit: betterpathways.org.uk/connect-to-work
Funded by UK Government.