It has made it to the final 3 for the Partnership Award at the WMCA Adult Learning Awards 2026, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 8 July.

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

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

Open Door, which is also supporting the West Midlands Youth Trailblazer initiative, enables people who are actively seeking employment the opportunity to enhance their employability by developing their skillset.
The work experience placements are 4 to 12 weeks long and up to 25 hours per week.

The Open Door team is also working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support people in work experience placements – and with Wolverhampton schools to provide work experience at the council for pupils aged 14 to 18.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Opportunities, said: “This is fantastic recognition for the Open Door team, who work tirelessly to support the city’s residents into work and training and are making a real impact by offering a range of flexible options.

“Not only is it important we equip young people with the skills for the jobs of the future, we need to ensure those opportunities are open to everyone, no matter their background.

“Open Door offers structured work placements, improving transitions to education and training, and long term job opportunities.”

Anyone interested in joining the Open Door programme should email opendoor@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 552690.