Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is urging people to register their interest in the tens of thousands job opportunities that will become available between now and the Games.
The recruitment drive has been launched today to encourage people to register their interest in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the biggest event ever to take place in the West Midlands.
To ensure Birmingham 2022 is a success, a huge workforce of people will be needed. Over 20,000 roles are available with contractors, with an additional 600 job opportunities during the Games within the Birmingham 2022 organising committee itself.
The wide range of jobs are available, lasting from three months to three weeks, with roles in security, stewarding, catering, cleaning, retail and logistics and many more opportunities to help the Games run smoothly. The majority of roles available don’t need formal experience or qualifications, and full training will be provided.
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 are investing £5 million to train unemployed residents to take advantage of Games time roles and have already, over the last 12 months, trained over 4000 unemployed people to help build the talent pool in the workforce.
The Jobs and Skills Academy has secured a total of £5.2million from European Social Fund (ESF) and the National Lottery to support and offering individualised support to 3,500 people to access Games opportunities – providing the wrap around support they need to make successful applications and transitions.
Applicants must be aged 18 or above by 1 April 2022 and should register their interest at: www.birmingham2022.com/jobs to find out more.
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 from 28 July until 8 August 2022. It is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, 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. To support this, the WMCA is making more than £5m 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.”
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. We urge people to visit our website today to find out more information and register their interest.”
Commonwealth Games Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Birmingham 2022 is more than just two weeks of sport. The Games are helping to level up access to jobs, training and volunteering opportunities across the West Midlands. With a workforce of 50,000, Birmingham 2022 is demonstrating the power of major events to kickstart careers, boost the local economy and give back to the community."
Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “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.
“A wide range of roles are on offer, and the experience gained from being involved with such a prestigious event will be a real strength on the CVs of those who work for Birmingham 2022. The Games are much more than the 11 days of sporting action, and is this another key example of why that is the case.”
Blondel Cluff CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to support the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Jobs and Skills Academy.
“Our funding will ensure more young people benefit from volunteering and employment opportunities brought about by the Commonwealth Games. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can support local people to take full advantage of this platform for regeneration, enabling them and their communities to prosper and thrive and creating a lasting legacy in the region.”
Afsheen Panjalizadeh, a Boxing Technical Operations Manager at Birmingham 2022 who started his career working at London 2012 said: “This is chance for thousands of people to play their part in a little bit of history and a unique opportunity to do something exciting and fun, where you’ll be able to treasure the memories and friendships you make forever.
“As a first-time job for this summer the things you’ll learn will be invaluable and there are some amazing career progressions from the Games. The opportunities to start a career in sport or events and so much more are too good to miss.”
Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir said: “The Commonwealth Games provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local people to be part of an iconic major multi-sport competition. It can be a launch-pad for a future career in multiple industries, including sport and major events, while providing valuable experience of working as part of a high performing team.
“Birmingham 2022 will be biggest event ever to take place in the West Midlands and I would urge anyone who is interested to apply for these exciting new jobs and be a part of history.”
