The Cradley Heath Skills Campus and Learning Campus at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital are set to unlock opportunities and skills for learners across Sandwell.
Cradley Heath Skills Campus
The Sandwell Colleges officially opened their highly-awaited Cradley Heath Skills Campus on 2 March. It’s set to play a transformative role in boosting skills, employment, and social inclusion across the Black Country, acting as a catalyst for opportunity and regeneration, and bringing practical training, adult learning and community-focused education into the heart of the town.
The £9.3million community-focused facility, funded by Sandwell Council’s Towns Fund Programme, is an innovative investment into adult learners, apprentices and school leavers, designed to be a dynamic hub for practical, career-focused learning, supported by expert guidance, and relevant to today’s job market with industry-standard workshops, specialist equipment and flexible learning spaces.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges said: “With a strong track record in successfully delivering adult learning programmes for Sandwell College, we are delighted to be launching our Cradley Heath Skills Campus, providing opportunity for training and skills development in the heart of the community, with programmes shaped around employer demand and local workforce skills.
“We have invested in creating industry-standard learning environments at this new campus, where learners will develop the practical skills and hands-on experience to succeed in their chosen career pathway such as healthcare, digital or construction or progress into further or higher education. The future starts here for people who want to change careers, gain qualifications for progression, or simply develop new skills.”
Guests at the event enjoyed a keynote speech from the Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, on the value of investing in adult skills and building opportunity for the community as well as hearing from other key partners on the impact this campus will have and the role it will play in providing new opportunities for local residents to upskill, reskill and retrain.
Councillor Carmichael said: “The council is working hard to champion local people, raise aspirations and create the workforce of the future. That’s why we have recently welcomed 100 new apprentices to begin their careers in public service. It’s why we have created our start-up hub to support residents who have an idea and just need that support to make it a success. It’s why we launched our Making It Sandwell campaign to show our support for and promote all of our local businesses, and why we have invested in the wonderful new Cradley Heath Skills Campus.
“Sandwell has over 9,000 growing and productive businesses, with a tradition of locally focused small businesses and an economy driven by private sector employment and growth. The Cradley Heath Skills Campus will equip our residents – whatever your age – to have the skills and qualifications so that you can pursue your career dream and match residents to the many opportunities we have available to us in our borough.”
You can read more about the facility here and explore the courses available here.
MMUH Learning Campus
A major new Learning Campus will open on the Midland Metropolitan University hospital site, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of Smethwick and the wider Sandwell area. The campus will expand access to education, training, and professional development for residents of all ages, helping local people gain the skills needed for future careers in a rapidly changing economy.
Developed through a unique partnership between Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS trust and its Learning Works, Sandwell College, the University of Wolverhampton, Aston University, and Sandwell Council the Learning Campus will provide access to entry-level learning through to Level 7 programmes, with long-term ambitions to expand advanced study opportunities across the community. With investment from the Towns Fund, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to levelling up communities and supporting local growth.
Group Chief Executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Dudley Group Foundation NHS Trust Diane Wake commented: “The Learning Campus forms a cornerstone of the wider regeneration of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site.
“By attracting students, staff, and investment, it will stimulate new economic activity, support local industries, and help attract new employers to the area. The development reinforces the West Midlands’ position as a region of innovation, talent, and opportunity.”
CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, Lisa Capper MBE, said: “We are excited about the new and unique opportunities we will be offering in this brand-new, purpose-built Learning Campus.
“Our young people and adult learners will benefit from a unique opportunity to train co-located on the site of the largest new hospital in England in a purpose-built Learning Campus. Through this close connection with the NHS, the MMUH, the wider sector and local universities, students will develop vital skills, gain real insight into healthcare careers and experience an immersive learning environment preparing them for progression to university or roles in the sector.
“The industry standard facilities and equipment including simulated ward, A&E area and community setting will equip learners with the knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed to succeed in the healthcare and related industries, ensuring they are skills-ready and future-ready to contribute to the future workforce.”
Read more about the Learning Campus here and explore the courses available here.
