University News Last updated 16 February
A community-led employment programme led and created by Women’s Wellbeing in collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU) is helping women in East Birmingham build the digital confidence and employability skills they need to access work.
Designed for those who often feel digitally excluded or disengaged from traditional employment support, the six-week programme has supported around 60 women to grow in confidence using email, completing online forms and navigating job platforms.
Participants also developed practical skills in job searching, AI tools, CV writing, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and interview preparation.
“Our women felt seen, supported and taken seriously,” said Shabana Qureshi, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Wellbeing and a Community Ambassador for BCU.
Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the Digital Gateway into Employment (DGIE) course concluded with a community careers fair at the Birmingham City Football Club Foundation hub in Bordesley Green.
At that fair, 88 local women met directly with 14 employers.
Qureshi and Women’s Wellbeing worked closely with BCU’s Public and Community Engagement team to design and structure the programme.
Making use of BCU Careers content, the team developed the workbooks and learning framework, strengthened employer links and professionally coordinated delivery, while the vision and leadership remained rooted in the community.
“Being a Community Ambassador means having a trusted relationship with the University that we can activate when our community needs it most,” said Qureshi.
“From the very beginning, the Public and Community Engagement team worked alongside us to shape, coordinate and deliver this in a structured and professional way.
“They didn’t just attend, they helped bring the right people together, connect us with employers and ensure everything ran smoothly.
“The support from BCU’s Careers team elevated the entire experience for our learners. That partnership has strengthened our organisation and the confidence of the women we serve.”
Through years of grassroots engagement, Qureshi has built deep trust with women who may feel disconnected from traditional employment services.
Many in East Birmingham face multiple barriers to employment, including digital exclusion, low confidence, caring responsibilities, poor health, limited English and long periods out of work.
Raaj Shamji, Associate Director of Public and Community Engagement at BCU, praised the work of the Community Ambassadors and highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“We don’t see communities as beneficiaries, we see them as experts,” he said. “Real change happens when lived experience sits equally alongside education, industry and policy makers.
“BCFC Foundation is a key place-based partner and neighbour in East Birmingham, and working together allows us to create practical pathways into employment rooted in the community.”
During February’s careers fair, 29 women were recognised for completing the DGIE course.
They received certificates from Qureshi, Antony Isherwood (Director of the BCFC Foundation), Julie Stonall (Director of Careers and Student Opportunities at BCU), and Russell Jeans (Director of Engagement at BCU).
Stonall said the careers fair had been incredibly empowering, commenting: “The positive energy and transformative atmosphere were palpable. Women were confidently using their newly acquired skills to network, make connections, and share their CVs and personal stories.”
A further careers fair is planned for March to continue supporting their progression.