Author: admin

Apprenticeships and post-16 pathways such as BTEC and T Levels will be on display at the show later this month for young people to learn about local opportunities. 

With over 40 employers and training providers signed up for the show, this event enables young people to learn about alternative routes after GCSE’s. They can speak to exhibitors and current apprentices who will be able to share their first-hand experience. The first hour is a quiet hour for young people with additional needs to find out more about Inclusive programmes such as Supported Internships.

Visitors will have the chance to speak to employers and training providers from hospitality, manufacturing, construction, engineering and public sectors. Exhibitors include JLR, National Gas, Severn Trent, the NEC Group, Everyone Active, Solihull College & University Centre, Reflections Training Academy, Creative Alliance and Solihull Council. It will take place at the North Solihull Sports Centre on Wednesday 28 January 2026 from 2:30pm to 7:00pm. 

 Councillor Heather Delaney, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business & Skills, said: “The Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show has always been well attended. We are excited for new exhibitors joining us this time such as National Gas and British Academy of Jewellery. We are always working to expand our network and reach so that visitors can learn about opportunities from more industries. Speaking directly with employers and current apprentices is the best way for young people to find out if a training programme or apprenticeship is for them.

“At the beginning of the year, it’s usually the time that young people start to think about what they’ll do after GCSE’s. It can be daunting for some, so we hope that an event like this would give young people the chance to get all the information they need to explore all the post-16 pathways available locally. Ultimately, it will help them take the best next steps. I’d encourage all young people, especially those in Year 10-13, to sign up for the show.”

Organised by Solihull Careers Hub which is part of the Council’s Employment and Skills Team, the Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show is free to attend and it is advised to book in advance. Free parking is available on site. For more information or sign up, please visit this webpage. 

Editor notes: 

• The Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, West Midlands Combined Authority, The Careers and Enterprise Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
• Solihull Careers Hub is funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

• An Post will deliver approx. 25 million payments to welfare customers in 2026
• Pensions, jobseekers, child benefit and other payments can be collected at your local post office

Today, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary announced that An Post has been awarded the contract for the Department of Social Protection’s new Cash Payment Services contract.

The Department’s Cash Payment Services contract provides for over-the-counter personal cash payments to welfare recipients. About 30% of payments made to the Department’s customers are made by cash.

The awarding of the contract to An Post follows a competitive tender process to secure the best-value and best-quality provision for customers and taxpayers.

The new Cash Payment Services contract began on the 1st of January 2026 and will expire in December 2028. After the initial three-year contract period is complete, the Department has the option to extend the contract for one additional year.

Welcoming the new contract, Minister Calleary said:

“An Post delivered almost 25 million welfare payments to our customers through the An Post Network in 2025. Now that this new contract is in place, my Department, in conjunction with An Post will continue to provide the important provision of cash payments to the Department’s customers who rely on this service across urban and rural communities.”

Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of An Post Retail said:

“An Post is pleased to continue delivering cash payment services to Department of Social Protection customers across Ireland.”

“Through investment in our unique network of 880 Post Offices, technology, training and our dedicated staff and Postmasters, we will continue to ensure customers’ access to secure, reliable cash payments, so essential to local communities.

Post Offices handled more than €7 billion in DSP payments last year, showing huge resilience during extreme weather events and other challenges to serve customers. We look forward to our continued close working relationship with the Department over the coming years”, she added.