What is Ladder for Greater Birmingham?

After great success with the Ladder for the Black Country and Ladder for Staffordshire this superb initiative has now expanded into Greater Birmingham. The initial aim was to create 1,000 new apprenticeship roles across the city and Solihull. By the end of 2019 The Ladder for Greater Birmingham had surpassed this goal, so in 2020 the initiative has been extended.

The wonderful aspect of this initiative is that it not only encourages businesses to take on new employees who are just starting their career, it’s also an investment into their future and the future of the area.

Birmingham companies now have an opportunity to step up and help give local people the opportunity to prosper in their organisations.

REACH has teamed up with The Vine Trust and Performance Through People to upskill learners throughout the area with the help of our partners and businesses.

Whether you are a company or looking to do an apprentice, take the first step on the Ladder

How can an apprenticeship help your business?


With over 250,000 businesses across the UK currently employing an apprentice, it’s easy to see why most businesses that employ apprentices report an increase in productivity and performance and a committed and competent workforce. By training and developing their skills from day one to enhance their businesses, they enable employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current workforce.

Did you know?
  • 86% of companies who employ apprentices feel that apprenticeships support the development of skills relevant to their organisation
  • Three quarters of employers reported increased productivity, improved staff morale and retention and better product/service quality
  • Employer satisfaction levels with apprenticeships is 84%
  • 83% of employers would recommend apprenticeships to others
Figures taken from the Apprenticeship Evaluation Learner and Employer Surveys 2017

Want to become an apprentice?


Great news, being an apprentice is a super opportunity to achieve a recognised standard or qualification, earn a wage and build experience in the workplace and it can also be the first step on the ladder to a great career.

Did you know?
  • 90% of apprentices stay in employment with over 70% staying with the same employer
  • Nearly a quarter of former apprentices are promoted within a year of finishing their apprenticeship

Become a Partner of the Ladder

If you are a local training provider or college and would like to become an approved delivery partner to the Ladder for Greater Birmingham then please email apprenticeships@ladderforbirmingham.co.uk to request an application form. 

-What is The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership?

The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) is a partnership of business, public sector and further and higher education. Its mission is to drive sustainable economic growth across the city-region, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for everyone. The GBSLEP area spans nine local authority areas: Birmingham, Solihull, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth, Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest. It is home to over two million people, an estimated 848,000 jobs and an economy worth £44.5 billion. Since 2010, more than 130,000 new private sector jobs have been created across Greater Birmingham and Solihull. Last year, the area generated a 4.7% increase in economic growth – making it the fastest growing core city LEP in area in the country. More than 7,000 businesses have been supported by the GBSLEP Growth Hub in the past two years. For more information about GBSLEP, please visit the website, subscribe to its newsletter or follow on Twitter and LinkedIn.