Severn Trent welcomed the Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands to learn more about the work it’s doing to help people facing barriers to work and recruit for its Edgbaston contact centre. 

Councillor Sharon Thompson was given a chance to see firsthand the work that the water company is doing through its LEAP sessions and how it’s committed to getting people in the city into work. 

Working with the Jobcentre Plus, the two-day workshop is designed to build confidence, develop skills and get those facing barriers to work job ready. 

The session was held at Birmingham Library and went ahead to showcase the job opportunities that are available at Severn Trent. 

Attendees took part in workshops, received help and advice, and had the opportunity to speak directly with Severn Trent’s recruitment team – with 35 per cent of the new starters at Edgbaston this month coming through one of Severn Trent’s social recruitment pathways. 

Cllr Thompson, who has long championed the skills agenda and social mobility in Birmingham, praised the initiative and spent time engaging with attendees and staff.

She said: “As Deputy Mayor, I am proud to champion the skills agenda across the West Midlands, the visit to Birmingham Library today was a powerful reminder of what is possible when organisations come together with purpose. Seeing Severn Trent and the Jobcentre Plus working side by side to create real opportunities for local people is truly inspiring. 

“We must rewrite the story of unemployment in Birmingham, for all our citizens and especially our young people. That means investing in partnerships that deliver not just hope, but tangible pathways into employment and a career. What I witnessed today is more than a programme — it’s a movement. 

“By sowing the seeds now, we are cultivating a future where every young person in our region has the chance to thrive. And that’s a legacy that I am committed to championing.” 

Elizabeth Heath, Societal Impact Lead at Severn Trent: “It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to support those who’ve been facing barriers to work and help them take those first steps back into employment. 

“We were really pleased to welcome Cllr Thompson to the event and showcase the work we’re doing to help tackle unemployment. The day was a fantastic example of how collaboration with the Job Centre can open doors for people who may have struggled to find opportunities. 

“There’s so much untapped potential among adults who just need the right support and encouragement, and we’re proud to be part of their journey back into the workforce.” 

The event is part of Severn Trent’s commitment in creating opportunities for people who may be experiencing barriers to work, particularly in areas with high unemployment.  

Successful recruits from the session will be working at Severn Trent’s new contact centre in Edgbaston where £4m is currently being invested in an overhaul. 

The site will soon be welcoming hundreds of Severn Trent colleagues to the city, whilst also creating a pipeline of future jobs and opportunities – establishing Edgbaston as a major hub for the Midlands based FTSE 100 company. 

As well as moving existing teams to Birmingham, Severn Trent also expects to create more entry-level roles over the coming months, as the company continues to grow ahead of delivering a £15 billion investment across the Midlands over the next five years – one of the biggest in the sectors. 

Severn Trent will continue to run similar events through the Jobcentre Plus, including its LEAP programme and for further information about working at Severn Trent and the current positions available visit severntrent.com/careers