Sandwell College and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have signed a transformative partnership agreement, set to reshape the local employment landscape.
A landmark agreement
This collaboration will offer direct access to education and job opportunities within the healthcare sector, meeting the growing demand for skilled NHS staff. At the heart of this partnership is the development of an £18m Learning Campus, scheduled to open in Smethwick in 2025. Located at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site, this innovative facility will align educational programs with the needs of the local job market.
Preparing the next generation
Starting in September 2024, Sandwell College students, including school leavers and adult learners, will be the first to benefit. The campus will offer hands-on work experience, masterclasses and career guidance from NHS professionals. Graham Pennington, Principal and Chief Executive of Sandwell College, said: “This new Learning Campus is more than just bricks and mortar; it offers our students unprecedented insights into healthcare careers.”
The Learning Campus is also a key component of the Grove Lane masterplan, which aims to create 800 new homes and a sustainable neighborhood. This integrated approach will foster a connected community that benefits both current and future residents.
Richard Beeken, Chief Executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said, “The Learning Campus is a game changer, contributing to the wider redevelopment, including the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. This net-zero building will serve as a public learning space welcoming parents, students, staff and the community, and promoting health and wellbeing.”
Creating pathways to employment
The Learning Campus is set to significantly impact local employment, supporting 1,280 learners annually. James Fleet, Interim Chief People Officer for the Trust, highlighted the initiative’s reach: “This project will create 50 new NHS jobs each year, alongside 100 apprenticeship opportunities, 250 work experience placements, and ten supported internships, especially through programs like Project Search, which helps young adults with learning disabilities find employment.”
The quotes and information used for this story came from Sandwell College, read their story here.
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