Business Engage Profiles College group continues to support skills needs of the region

A college group is highlighting its ongoing commitment towards supporting socioeconomic success across both Stratford and Solihull as it continues to actively engage with employers to deliver the skills needs of the region.

Solihull College & University Centre, which includes the Blossomfield and Woodlands campuses in Solihull, as well as Stratfordupon-Avon College, is continuing to progress its Employer Engagement Strategy in a bid to position itself as the leading college group across Solihull, Greater Birmingham and Warwickshire.

The strategy embeds the college group’s response to Local Skills Improvement Plans, reflecting local and national employment and training needs to prepare learners for meaningful and sustainable real jobs.

It also sees curriculum areas engage proactively with employers in the co-creation, design, and delivery of course content.

As well as ensuring that the curriculum is reflective of the skills needs of the region, the college group also delivers apprenticeships and T-Level qualifications.

At Stratford-upon-Avon College there is a focus on the culture and tourism sector.

It is heavily involved in performing arts, and is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s lead partner for apprenticeships.

A £12 million re-development of the campus is currently ongoing, which will see the creation of a state-of-the-art TV and radio studio, fully-equipped electrical and plumbing facilities, upgraded theatres and more. The plans involve a comprehensive staged refurbishment which involves both the redevelopment of existing spaces and the creation of new areas.

Martin Rennison, Interim Director of Skills, Growth and Partnerships at Solihull College & University Centre, said: “One of our key aims is to inspire learning and improve lives through education and training.

“This means that we not only want to be inspirational to our learners – more than 1,000 of which study at Stratford-uponAvon College – we also want to put them in the best possible position to meet the skills needs of the region so that they can successfully move into employment.

“We strive to make a significant contribution to the local and regional economy though our care and focus on new and existing employer needs, enhancing the technical skills, knowledge and industry standards across our courses.

“Our continuous professional development of staff means that they are able to work with employers to develop and deliver a rich curriculum which includes sector-specific course skills and qualifications to meet local, regional and national needs.

“We are currently undergoing a re-development of our Stratford-upon-Avon College site to further strengthen our commitment to students and help it continue to grow over the coming years.

“We would welcome any employers wanting to know more to get in touch.” Further information about Stratford-uponAvon College, as well as the wider college group, is available by visiting https://www.stratford.ac.uk/

Employers who would like further details about apprenticeships or T-Levels can contact employerservices@solihull.ac.uk or call 0121 678 7181.