Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire, (SWM+W), the body formed by further education colleges and independent training providers across the region as a one-stop shop for business, has celebrated work being undertaken across the construction sector in the region at a special awards event, held at the offices of Gowling WLG in Birmingham.
Solihull College & University Centre recognised the work of Birmingham firm Woods Hardwick as it presented them with an award for their investment in partnering with the College.
Woods Hardwick, which has offices in Birmingham, London and Bedford is a UK-leading independent and employee-owned multi-disciplinary built environment practice, integrating residential and commercial architecture, engineering, planning and surveying for all development needs.
They have recently offered apprenticeship to two T-Level students and continue to forge links with the College.
Vice Principal of Business growth, Skills and Partnership Nancy Buckley says: “As a board member of SWM+W, the event, attended by top industry bosses, college leaders and ITPs – allowed Solihull College & University Centre to engage and respond to the industry’s requirements for expert training to create a sustainable talent pipeline.
“Bridging the skills gap demands more than just investment — it requires real dialogue. By bringing together the construction industry to respond directly to the Department for Education, we can build a future where opportunity, innovation, and workforce readiness go hand in hand. I was also proud to award Woods Hardwick an award to recognise their contribution to the College through their commitment to apprenticeships and work placements.”
Chair of the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, says: “In the construction sector, we’ve identified clear opportunities to align education provision with industry demand. Employers have told us that they need a workforce equipped not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These insights will guide how we shape our curriculum and training programmes moving forward.”
Earlier this year, the Chancellor announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers in the country. Funding and reforms include more construction courses, skills bootcamps and new partnerships between colleges and construction companies.
Over the next year, Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire aims to increase the number of partnerships with SMEs; increase employer satisfaction in skills and training provision and inspire employers to co-create a suite of training solutions with trusted providers.
