Express & Star comment: Training and skills a priority for West Midlands
The past 12 months have seen a mixed picture in the West Midlands as far as the economy is concerned.
On one hand, the disastrous outlook predicted by the anti-Brexit doom-mongers has not materialised.
Sorry Mr Osborne, the economy has not collapsed as you said it would, and plenty of businesses have reported decent revenue figures over the period.
However, it would be wrong to say that all is rosy in the garden.
There is a degree of uncertainty out there, which is certainly not helped by the latest set of less than impressive employment figures for the region.
While employment in the UK is now at a record high, the number of people out of work in the West Midlands has once again risen.
It means that the Government's talk of its delight at the low national unemployment rate does not quite have the same impact in these parts as it does in other areas of the country.
We should also remember that higher inflation means that living standards remain under a great deal of pressure.
In the West Midlands there are serious concerns about skills shortages in many areas of work.
The situation recently led to calls from the West Midlands Combined Authority for businesses to employ more ex-offenders in a bid to make use of their abilities.
It is clear that to some extent, we are trapped in a negative cycle across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
We don't currently have enough skilled workers to do higher level jobs, while at the same time there are a distinct lack of training opportunities available for people who want to upskill.
The West Midlands Mayor is taking steps to address this issue.
But any solution is likely to require significant investment from the Government.
For too many years we have missed out while other areas of the UK have been given the tools allowing them to prosper.
If the Midlands Engine is to be the driving force for Britain that Theresa May hopes it can be, then the current levels of unemployment must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
In terms of growth, we have fallen behind too many times in the past.
It must not be allowed to happen again.
