A University that means business
KNOWLEDGE NEWS
Graduates report record high employability University of Wolverhampton students are among the most employable in the UK, after a new report revealed a record number are going into jobs or further study. The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey is a national annual survey of recent graduates who are contacted six months after completing their studies to determine their employment status.
University awarded Business of the Year The University of Wolverhampton was recognised for its ‘truly outstanding’ contribution to the region when staff picked up the Express & Star Business of the Year award at this year’s high profile awards ceremony.
to improve education and opportunities for communities across the West Midlands, not least through its biggest ever investment programme Our Vision, Your Opportunity.
Stewart Towe, Chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The University’s £250 million investment plan is a vote of confidence in the Black Country’s economic future. The Black Country LEP looks With an annual turnover of more than £250 forward to working in partnership with the million, 2,500 staff and almost 20,000 students, University to maximise the growth potential of the University makes a substantial impact on the this investment.” local economy. Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the The University – which was shortlisted for two University, said: “Our focus over the coming categories, Business of the Year and Best Use of years will be on students and skills to ensure Technology – was particularly praised for that we continue to have an influential presence its innovative business partnerships and work in the region for years to come.”
SUMMER 2016
Overall, 96% of the University’s Class of 2015 were in work or further study – outperforming the UK average for all universities and a record high for the University. The report, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), also shows that Wolverhampton students are supporting the regional economy with 80% working in the West Midlands after graduation. The majority of our students go into graduate level jobs with 66% employed in professional or managerial roles, 63% reporting earnings of £15,000 to £29,999 and a further 16% earning £30,000 to £59,999.
West Midlands universities join forces to drive economic growth
Three West Midlands universities are putting higher education at the centre of plans to boost the economy, by linking up to meet the demands of devolution across the region. The University of Wolverhampton, together with Birmingham City University and Coventry University, have launched the West Midlands Combined Universities (WMCU). The initiative brings together the institutions’ collective research excellence and training expertise with the aim to develop skills and foster innovation across the Midlands. For businesses, the creation of this powerful new resource points to increased employment opportunities and productivity – including the ambition to create over 500,000 jobs by 2030 and a targeted rate of growth to match London’s economy. The announcement is a major vote of confidence in the region’s devolution deal, and signals how
higher education institutions can contribute significantly to supporting the business aims of the West Midlands Combined Authority. Leaders of the three universities anticipate that the WMCU, among other things, will be able to: • fill predicted nursing shortages in the region by offering flexible, region-wide courses with greater access to facilities • close the skills gap in the automotive sector • retrain current industry sectors with new skills and in new technologies • stimulate new ideas and innovation in priority sectors to reduce costs and increase productivity • address the challenges facing the West Midlands economy with an unprecedented level of resource and expertise.
Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said:
Our ambition through our collaboration is to build on existing assets across all three universities focusing on product leadership and priority industries for the region including health care, construction, digital and creative and professional services. “At the moment no single university can offer a geographically comprehensive range of services available in one place, and it’s our aim to provide our customers with a seamless journey whilst at the same time providing value for money and economies of scale which benefit our partners.”
New coaching partnership kicks off A new sporting initiative from the University of Wolverhampton and West Bromwich Albion Football Club (WBAFC) is delivering football and coaching skills to young people in India, in collaboration with the Delhi government, local football team Delhi Dynamos, and Youth Football International, the local delivery partner in Delhi.
Pass it Forward is taking Sports Coaching Practice degree students all the way to Delhi with Albion Foundation coaches to provide school-based football coaching. The programme is already delivering results, and aims to coach around 35,000 five to 15 year olds. Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “We are delighted with this exciting new project. We have a long-standing positive relationship with India and have been working closely with partner organisations for a number of years to initiate a wide range of economic, educational and cultural benefits covering trade, education, sport and culture.” Adrian Wright, Director of Sales and Marketing at WBAFC and president-elect of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have dug deep into grass roots football in Delhi, in the belief that only through a sustained presence can we build genuine and productive links.”
University scores fund for new 3G pitch! Grass roots sport in the Black Country is getting a kick in the right direction thanks to a major cash injection from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund. The University of Wolverhampton is using a £465,047 grant to build a new floodlit 106m x 70m third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) at Walsall Campus, for use by students, staff and the local community. The Football Foundation worked in partnership with the University, Birmingham and Staffordshire County FAs to design a five-year football development plan. The new pitch will improve the experience for regular players, and attract new players, with the University aiming to increase the number of teams from nine to 33. Bess Evans, Deputy Director of the University’s Institute of Sport, said: “This new facility will benefit the whole region, and be massive for the development of grass root sports in the area.” Work on the state-of-the-art pitch starts in the summer, ready for play in October.
Training and Events
Business highlights The value of volunteers
Morgan Challenge race team are on track Motorsport Engineering students have been in the pits at Silverstone, supporting the University of Wolverhampton Morgan Challenge team on race day.
A new data system on the Plus 4 Babydoll, installed by students, allowed Craig and the students to see areas where they could enhance the car's performance – and lap time.
Earlier this year, BSc (Hons) Environmental Health students were given a behind-thescenes tour at luxury UK store, Harrods. The head of food safety gave them an overview of the world-famous food court, with a specific focus on food handling.
Hereford centre to showcase success
Steve Morris, Morgan Managing Director said: “Working with the University of Wolverhampton on the race car project is fantastic for Morgan. All of the learning that we’re having on the track is informing our development team for the future, and what we’re doing going forward.”
The University’s Walsall Campus recently hosted part of the first ever Walsall Business Week, helping to boost business engagement across the region. Almost 400 people attended a networking event at Walsall Campus on Friday 10 June, the final day of the week-long campaign. The University partnered with Walsall Council, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Gone Fishing 4 Business, the Best of Walsall business networks and the Black Country Growth Hub to host businessrelated themed activities. The day’s innovation showcase included: a demonstration of drone technology provided by the University’s Business Solutions Centre; a women’s panel debate hosted by its Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing; and a state-of-the-art car from Mercedes-Benz Walsall. Pushpa Alexander, director of Headz Up Business network, said: “The event was an amazing success and went above and beyond our expectations. Lots of delegates made new contacts and secured new business contracts.” The event also gave business students the opportunity to get hands-on event experience, helping to provide business support on the day. MAC3298
A cutting-edge new degree course will develop skills and knowledge required for the future green economy. BSc (Hons) Geography, Urban Environments and Climate Change will produce graduates for the growing ‘low carbon and environmental goods and services’ (LCEGS) sector.
At a business launch for the Faculty of Art’s annual Degree Show, which showcases students’ work, Sunita Meen was selected to receive a substantial commission from pub retailer Marston’s for two pieces of work for their new HQ in Wolverhampton.
Find out more: wlv.ac.uk/telfordinvestment
Partners work together to deliver debut business event in Walsall.
Going green for growing industry
Art student’s work snapped up by retailer
The investment in motorsport engineering is part of the ongoing multi-million pound programme, expanding engineering facilities at Telford Innovation Campus. Collaboration with industry is a key focus for future course development.
Walsall Business Week
If your organisation could benefit from volunteers, call: 01902 322 900 email: volunteering@wlv.ac.uk or visit: volunteercentral.co.uk
Shopping for hands-on work experience
Students have worked on running a Plus 4 Babydoll and an ARV6. Drivers Craig HamiltonSmith and Tony Hirst made incredible progress on the Silverstone GP circuit. Craig finished P8 in class and Tony in P2. Both drivers credit the students as an invaluable source of information whilst racing. Their knowledge and confidence on the car, allows them to focus on the driving, with both improving their results at the race.
Student volunteers were celebrated at the annual Employment and Volunteering Awards. In 2014/15, 1,271 volunteers worked a total of 66,582 hours – representing a saving to businesses of over £937,000!
Just nine months after opening, Hereford Business Solutions Centre is celebrating the impact it has had for local businesses by hosting a showcase event. The centre is now almost up to capacity for accommodating incubation businesses and has received a warm welcome from organisations across Herefordshire. The services provided, including networking events, facility hire, incubation space and training sessions have all been well received by the business community.
Flying the flag at Cosford Air Show
Start-up businesses in particular have benefited from the availability of incubation space and support. Louise Stevenson, co-founder of Osha Clean, said: "Hereford Business Solutions Centre has enabled us to move our business away from the kitchen table and all the distractions of home to a real office environment where we can network with other like-minded entrepreneurs and focus on building our business. We wouldn't be where we are today with Osha if we hadn't brought it to the Centre, it's been a critical part of our successes so far." To celebrate, the centre is hosting a Summer Social Networking Event on Tuesday 19 July. Herefordshire businesses are invited to come along and find out how the centre can help you and your organisation to improve productivity, profitability and performance. From 5pm until 7pm, the Centre, along with other businesses on Skylon Park, will be opening its doors to the local business community to showcase its expertise, facilities and services. During the evening, you will be able see the dedicated incubation and meeting spaces available, meet with experienced business advisors who can talk in confidence with you about your business challenges and learn more about the wide range of funded business support programmes available. You will also be able to network with other organisations and enjoy hot food and refreshments. The event is free to attend but booking is required at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-social-networking-eventtickets-26323135206
For the second year running, the University of Wolverhampton sponsored the RAF Cosford Air Show 2016. One of the largest charity events in the Midlands, the annual show contributes millions to the RAF Charitable Trust. This year’s event attracted over 56,000 visitors from across the UK. Each of the University’s faculties offered a variety of activities for those attending, ranging from musical entertainment to medical demonstrations. In recent years the strategic partnership between the University and the RAF has grown stronger and now includes training and education for current RAF staff, those leaving the RAF and their families. Joint projects supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects have included creating a classroom in a VC 10 and history projects around the WW2 and WW1 era in conjunction with RAF Cosford Museum.
The Apprenticeship Levy: what you need to know
Q&A:
A new Apprenticeship Levy begins in April 2017. Government funding of apprenticeships is changing, so there’s no better time to start planning your apprenticeship programme – whether to upskill employees or attract new talent – you can bring high level professional and technical skills into your business. The University’s Apprenticeship Hub is helping employers to develop their workforces and close skills gaps through a growing portfolio of new Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
Constructing new opportunities with EDF Energy
The University is delivering a constructionbased higher level apprenticeship with business partner, EDF Energy. The Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management (Level 5) has expanded the University’s collaboration with EDF Energy, which follows the development and delivery of the industry-accredited Professional Practice course in 2015. Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “We believe in lifelong learning and the need for individuals to continue to develop their skills no matter what stage of their career they are at.” Apprenticeships in development for September 2017 include:
Learn new skills – at a lower cost Are you in work and looking to upskill, redevelop or progress in your career? Union members can benefit from course discounts thanks to a unique new partnership with the University of Wolverhampton. unionlearn has teamed up with the University to offer an exclusive 10% off fees, so you can achieve your ambitions through part-time study at a lower cost. The University and unions are encouraging further study to help address the issues of increasing skills gaps in industry and evolving market/sector needs. Dr Mary Mahoney, Head of Lifelong Learning at the University, said: “We’re the only Midlands university to partner with the TUC unionlearn. “We are both committed to ensuring that working adults have access to a wide range of learning opportunities, from degree studies to bespoke training courses, and are committed to supporting their progress.” To find out if you’re eligible, what courses are available and how to apply, contact the team. Tel: 01902 322 760, email: unionenquiries@wlv.ac.uk or visit: wlv.ac.uk/unionlearn
• Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Aerospace Software Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Automotive Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Automotive Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Chartered Legal Executive Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Digital Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship (L6) • Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship (L7)
Michele Roberts
Knowledge News spoke to Michelle Roberts, Head of Apprenticeships at the Apprenticeship Hub.
What is the Apprenticeship Levy? The levy puts employers in the driving seat for shaping apprenticeships. It will be applied by HMRC through employers’ payroll systems and is a requirement for all employers with a payroll bill of more than £3 million per year.
How will it affect businesses? The levy will be charged at a rate of 0.5% of your yearly pay bill. You will have a £15,000 allowance per year, with the government topping-up monthly contributions by 10% so you can get back more than you put in. As a levy-paying employer, you will have 18 months to utilise your levy contribution and access to a Digital Apprenticeship Service account operated by the Skills Funding Agency, where you can manage funding, training providers, apprenticeship vacancies and much more.
What support is available? The University of Wolverhampton is experienced in developing solutions for business. Through the Hub we’re providing information and supporting employers to understand the benefits.
How are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships delivered? Apprenticeships are a mixture of on-the job and classroom-based learning – usually, an apprentice will spend around 80% of their time in the workplace. University tutors will work with you to agree the focus of work-based projects, ensuring they have a direct and positive impact on your business. Delivery is flexible; contact us to discuss requirements for the apprenticeship model that’s right for you.
What is the commitment from businesses? To benefit from the skills and knowledge brought into your business from higher level apprenticeships, there are a few things you must agree to do. You must pay at least the minimum wage for an apprentice (which varies by age) and the apprenticeship must last at least 12 months. The cost varies depending on the course and the mode of delivery. The government will make a contribution and you may be eligible for extra employer incentive payments.
Find out more For more information on how apprenticeships can help your business, contact the Apprenticeship Hub by tel: 01902 323 127, email: apprenticeshiphub@wlv.ac.uk or at: wlv.ac.uk/apprentices