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£5.1m STEM Centre at Sandwell Colleges celebrates first year

Nearly 500 learners have undertaken industry-relevant courses and training at the centre in West Bromwich  

The £5.1m Sandwell Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Centre, based at the Sandwell Colleges in West Bromwich, has marked its impressive first year with an exclusive showcase event to officially announce phase two of the campus. 

Learners at Sandwell Colleges' STEM Centre, photo courtesy of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Sandwell College STEM
Copyright 2024 © Sam Bagnall

The centre is funded by the Government Towns Fund and the Department for Education as well as Sandwell Colleges, and developed in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Over the past 12 months, almost 500 learners have taken part in courses and training in such subjects as machining, hydraulics, pneumatics and toolmaking. Many have since progressed to higher education or paid roles with engineering companies.  

Facilities at the STEM Centre include electrical and mechanical labs, digital computer labs and computer aided design (CAD), an engineering laboratory virtual instrumentation suite (ELVIS), and the first Festo automation suite in the Black Country. It was set up to help prepare local people, companies and organisations for the digital future in terms of production across new technologies. 

The showcase event demonstrated some of what has been achieved over the past year, with current learners sharing their skills and knowledge. Alumni who are now working for hydraPower dynamics in Birmingham shared how the STEM Centre helped prepare them for work and bridged identified skills gaps in the engineering industry. Other staff from hydraPower dynamics demonstrated the benefits of partnership with the centre and the modern facilities available on site. 

Ethan Webb, a learner at the centre, says: ‘Studying at the Sandwell Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Centre has really opened doors for me. The support from the lecturers and the access to industry-standard equipment has given me the skills I need to gain confidence on my work placement and helped me prepare to apply for roles and pursue my dream career.’ 

The centre has been such a success that Sandwell Colleges will now support even more students, increasing campus capacity by 80% for 2025. 

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of the Sandwell Colleges, says: ‘The launch of the second phase of the campus with brand new teaching spaces underscores The Sandwell Colleges’ commitment to meeting the growing demand for STEM education and skills training in the region. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how the Sandwell Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Centre has transformed opportunities for our learners and the local community in just one year. The centre’s cutting-edge facilities and strong employer partnerships are equipping learners with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers. The launch of the second phase signals our continued investment in the region’s future workforce.’  

Sonia Smalling, HR Business Partner at hydraPower dynamics, adds: ‘Our partnership with the Sandwell Colleges is vital for developing a pipeline of skilled engineers who meet the needs of today’s industries. It’s a privilege to collaborate on shaping the next generation of engineering talent. We have had high quality students from the Sandwell Colleges, there is no better way to grow your workforce.’ 

Cllr Sukhbir Singh Gill, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, says: ‘It’s great to celebrate the first anniversary of this fantastic new centre, which is playing a crucial role in helping to deliver high-quality, well-paid jobs and develop skills in Sandwell. These are key priorities for the council and our partners. 

‘We have a rich industrial history, and we are proud to have businesses in Sandwell that are manufacturing products to be exported all over the world. Developing skills and supporting people to get the best start in their chosen career paths are essential aspects of successful regeneration. This centre, in the heart of West Bromwich, offers excellent training opportunities and cutting-edge facilities to help people gain much-needed technical skills for the future.’

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Simon Guerrier
Writer and journalist for Infotec, Social Care Today and Air Quality News
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