European Union European Social Fund
Stem-Up

The funded and free skills programme that will enable you or your business to excel.

STEM-Up is a £2.8m project that is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) until March 2023. The project has been launched to assist those aged 18+, residing within Birmingham, Solihull, Redditch, Bromsgrove and the Wyre Forest, whether they are an employer, employee, or currently unemployed.

Solihull College & University Centre, Birmingham City University and Aston University have joined together to provide a wide range of training courses and ‘taster’ workshops that are fully funded and FREE; thereby enabling participants to develop their skills in subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In addition to the above, courses are also available for associated Soft Skills and disciplines linking STEM to The Arts (STEAM).

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Courses on Offer

Here is just a small selection of what is presently on offer, subject to eligibility requirements.

Course Title Start Dates / Times Duration Standard Fee Funding Available
Cisco IT Essentials (CITE) Part 1 & 2 Roll-On / Roll-Off 10 Weeks £595 100%
Level 2 Certificate in Equality & Diversity Roll-On / Roll-Off 6 Weeks £724 100%
Certificate in Cyber Security/a> Roll-On / Roll-Off 6 Weeks £724 100%
Certificate in Understanding Climate Change & Environmental Awareness Roll-On / Roll-Off 6 Weeks £811 100%
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace Roll-On / Roll-Off 3 Weeks £811 100%
Certificate in Lean Organisation Management Roll-On / Roll-Off 9 Weeks £941 100%
Certificate in Understanding Autism Roll-On / Roll-Off 9 Weeks £811 100%

Choosing the Right Course

STEM skills are of significant benefit when seeking to boost your employability and career progression, but they are also essential for regional business growth and for helping your organisation to retain its competitive advantage. However, we appreciate that choosing the right course for you may be challenging, so with the help of our Skills Analysts, we shall:

  • Help you to determine your skills requirements.
  • Complete an individual action plan to assist with your continuing professional development.
  • Provide access to an array of free webinars and expertise across all three institutions.
  • Support you when reviewing and evaluating your learner journey.
  • Award you with a GBSLEP certificate upon the fulfilment of your programme.

Testimonials

 

I found the range of courses on offer very interesting and working for an ISO accredited organisation, I wanted to add value to the business while enhancing my own professional development. The course I studied was really informative and will be of benefit to any role or industry, as it equipped you with transferable skills for the future. As a result, I have gained a better understanding of interpersonal situations and how to deal with them. It was very adaptable, and I could do it at work, during lunch hours, at home and even in my garden; I had complete control, with a tutor support network at the end of an email, who would speedily reply to my queries. I’ve already implemented the skills I’ve developed within the workplace, and I am better equipped for supporting my clients, incorporating the things that I’ve learnt. I would highly recommend the STEM-Up Project courses that are available.

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Clare

Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service

 

The course hit every bit of the objective and more! The support and encouragement from the STEM-Up Project was fantastic, which did not come as a surprise to me, as I have previously completed an Access to Higher Education course at the College. This has been my first real experience of self-study and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I attribute this to the friendly and relaxed nature of all those who I had communications with. As an adult learner, I graduated at 45 years of age (class of 2020 no less), so I hope that Solihull College & University Centre will be there for my educational needs, when I’m well into my 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and more! A big thank you to everyone involved.

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Karen

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace

 

This STEM-Up course was ideal for me, and I found out about it by researching the project and locating the right training provider, Solihull College & University Centre. The staff were very professional and helped guide me through the completion of this programme, which is very relevant to my role at work. The course was easy to study and offered more flexibility through online distance learning, which was very productive, as I didn’t have to rush to campus. Online study was the best option for me, and both the Analyst and Tutor were readily available when I needed advice.

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Mohammed

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection & Data Security

 

The STEM-Up Analyst helped me broaden my outlook and make a choice about the training available. She provided details about each course and talked through them in a really friendly manner and when I had made my decision, she forwarded my details to the Head of Department for further information. I wanted to acquire knowledge and skills to help me reach my long-term goal, so I chose the Introduction to CAA Approved Drone Pilot Training course. I’d like to get into event management and offer the whole package, such as wedding and party videography/photography. I thought the Tutor would show us the drone, but not let us have a go at it! It was difficult to control but I really enjoyed it. If you’re considering registering to STEM-Up, my advice would be to go for it!! It’s a great opportunity so don’t limit yourself, put your heart into it and get as much from these courses as you can; you never know where they could take you.

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Tasleem

Introduction to CAA Approved Drone Pilot Training

Contact Us

For further information and to take advantage of this offer, please contact our STEM-Up Project Team

Solihull College & University Centre
Birmingham City University
Aston University