A recruitment drive has been launched to fill tens of thousands of job vacancies which are being created as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
People are being urged to register their interest in the vacancies which will become available between now and the Games - which start in July - including 20,000 contractor roles and 600 positions within the Birmingham 2022 organising committee.
The jobs, lasting from three months to three weeks, will also include roles in security, stewarding, catering, cleaning, retail and logistics. The majority of jobs available don't require formal experience or qualifications, and full training will be provided.
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Birmingham 2022 is working with the Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority, to provide training for and to improve the skills of local people for these roles.
The Jobs and Skills Academy is investing £5 million to train unemployed residents and have already trained more than 4,000 over the last 12 months.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: "The Commonwealth Games was always about so much more than medals and athletes, and it is this legacy of jobs and improved opportunities that made me so determined to help land this global event for our region.
"It is therefore brilliant to see that thousands of opportunities are on offer through the Games, especially as these roles have become even more critical given the pandemic has left many people out of work and others worried about their future."
Mr Street added: "The WMCA is making more than £5 m available through our Jobs and Skills Academy to help anyone who is interested in taking on a role during the Commonwealth Games.
"Not only will this training help people secure roles during the Games, but the skills they learn will also set them up for future careers, ensuring we do provide a proper lasting legacy for people across the West Midlands."
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports and eight para-sports across 14 competition venues. It will run between July 28 to August 8 and is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city.
Andrew Newman, director of workforce at Birmingham 2022 said: "Each and every one of these roles will provide someone with a unique opportunity to be part of the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands and without them, Birmingham 2022 simply wouldn't be able to take place.
"It will be an excellent addition to anyone's CV and a great opportunity to get involved, boost skills and help make the Games a success."
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: "The message is clear – if you want to be able to say you played your part in showcasing Birmingham on the global stage, by working on the biggest event we have ever staged here, now is the time to come forward."
Interested applicants must be aged 18 or above by April 1, 2022. To register an interest - or to find out more - visit www.birmingham2022.com/jobs.
