A "virtual gateway" into the world of regeneration is playing a major role in solving Birmingham ' s skills shortage.
RegenWM's website ( www. regenwm. org) has grown tenfold since its launch last year, with visitors logging on from as far away as Australia, the US and Canada.
The groundbreaking site, which is aiming to generate 100,000 hits in 2005, provides everything you need to know about the world of regeneration provision in the region, including an online job search, information on training courses and event listings.
Funded initially by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, the Government Office and ERDF, RegenWM works publicly and behind the scenes to improve working relationships, align policies and bring organisations together to create good life chances for youngsters, build a competitive economy and prevent area decline.
Adrian Passmore, head of information at RegenWM, is delighted with the site's success to date.
"We wanted to create a portal that would help bridge the skills gaps that exist, whilst also attracting new professionals to the sector, two objectives that I think we're well on the way to achieving," he said.
"The website uses the latest search engine technology to give users access to over 300 carefully-researched training courses, including the highly successful undergraduate programme.
"There is also an equally exhaustive directory of organisations and community groups, which have so far led to a number of individuals agreeing progression routes into new careers.
"You can visit the entire RegenWM work programme through this site, including project and events listings and a new option for people who want to register for regular electronic updates on the services available."
RegenWM, which is the first centre of regeneration excellence ever launched in the UK, is also looking to showcase best practice examples through the power of the web, with case studies on shadowing, the graduate programme and a 60-page electronic booklet on the recent "Prizes" ceremony.
"Usability has undoubtedly been a big drive behind our success, a point that was confirmed a few weeks back when the site was awarded a double AA rating," added Adrian.
"And that's just the beginning. In order to encourage even more people to access the site, we will shortly be introducing the latest voice browser technology to make it easy for blind people or those with visual impairments to surf the information available.
"People really like this site. In our annual user survey one individual said the website had a common sense and nononsense feel - reflecting the attitude of the organisation as a whole."
