Construction College Midlands celebrates a successful first year

An increase in the demand and delivery of scaffolding and roofing apprenticeships, a training programme to help jobseekers gain employment and the launch of site safety courses all contributed to a successful first year at Construction College Midlands.

The site in Kings Norton, Birmingham was acquired by Walsall College in December 2020.  It has remained open throughout lockdown delivering training for those in construction, utilities and estates operations.

The college offers the full range of Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) programmes, along with apprenticeships, general construction and NVQ courses as well as health and safety courses.

John Adams of Construction College Midlands said: “Construction is a key driver of our economy, but this year has seen many businesses operating with reduced workforces and experiencing supply chain disruption.  CCM responded swiftly to this, delivering an accessible, flexible training portfolio to meet critical skills needs in a timely manner.  The team are delighted to have achieved so much as a new provider operating during the pandemic.

He continued: “We know the industry’s recovery and growth relies on having readily-available, suitably-trained candidates to ensure businesses can fulfil infrastructure contracts and project commitments, including HS2.  The employer, sector-based and community partnerships we’ve developed since we opened mean we can do more to raise awareness of existing and emerging job roles and construction career specialisms.  2022 will see us introduce and increase opportunities for school leavers, the long-term unemployed and those looking to retrain.

“We will also adapt our existing training models alongside the launch of a new provision so that businesses are well-placed to operate efficiently and sustainably with a view to building back better.”

CCM launched a sector work-based academy (SWAP) programme in Autumn to help employers fill vacancies in scaffolding, roofing, groundworks and highways maintenance.  During a visit to the college, MP for Northfield, Garry Sambrook saw how the programme was developed and how employers kept up to date with mandatory training and sector-led upskilling opportunities.  He shared details of this best practice in parliament.

Next year, the college will relaunch a Highways Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship Standard and will work with CITB to deliver programmes for school students.

For further information about training courses at Construction College Midlands visit www.constructioncollege.co.uk call 01922 663600 or email info@constructioncollege.co.uk