Education & Skills 
The Skills Commission recently held the final evidence session for its ‘Earning or Learning’ inquiry in the West Midlands. Hosted by the West Midlands Combined Authority, the session discussed how place-based approaches are critical to improving youth employment and engagement.
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker attended the session, setting out his commitment to supporting young people in the region.
Across two roundtables in Birmingham, attendees expressed their concern about policy churn and lack of clarity, but also highlighted a welcome current momentum and focus on young people.
The regional session marked the final event before the Skills Commission released an interim report for the inquiry, providing an overview and analysis of the evidence gathered since February 2025 on how best to support young people into secure work, education, or training.
For more information on the session or ‘Earning or Learning’ inquiry, please contact Alyson Hwang (alyson.hwang@policyconnect.org.uk).
