West Midlands Mayor gives green light to sustainable skills training at Walsall College

Walsall College has welcomed local employers, partners and special guests to celebrate the launch of their new-look campus for construction skills and green courses.

The Green Lane Campus was officially opened by Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.  It will support businesses looking to train workforces for the transition to a net zero economy.

Jatinder Sharma, CBE DL, Principal and Chief Executive said: “This is a twofold investment in our college estate to accelerate our work to plug existing construction skills gaps and build skills for a green future.  It enhances our support for current and prospective learners, while being a key enabler for businesses to develop existing and new job roles and thrive in a net zero climate.”

With an extra 25,350 construction workers needed in the West Midlands by 2027[1] , the college is primed to play a pivotal role in meeting demand with tailored training programmes for school leavers, jobseekers, apprentices and work-based learners.

Following a three-floor extension, the campus has additional workshop spaces, classrooms and sustainability-led facilities in the fields of gas and plumbing, electrical installation and carpentry.  A training provision aligned to these will also help futureproof workforces preparing to deliver services relating to domestic retrofit, heat pump systems, electrical energy storage systems and electric vehicle maintenance.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority Chair said: “With the demand for green skills increasing dramatically and green jobs being created across all sectors, it’s vitally important that local people are supported in accessing opportunities towards gaining well-paid, long-term careers and in turn, that businesses are equipped to meet the region’s zero carbon targets for 2041.

“Walsall College’s new facilities are a great example of the excellent work being carried out to deliver these skills, which reflects our collective commitment to building a green economy and paving the way for a greener, cleaner tomorrow.”

Jatinder Sharma continued: “Working with employer and industry partners, we have introduced a robust training portfolio focussing on green agenda and sustainability awareness, specific pathways and specialist skills.  There is still more to do and we welcome additional dialogue with sector representatives around their training needs and any barriers to access, as well as the funding and wider support measures in place to unlock opportunities for growth.”

[1] CITB – Construction Skills Network – The skills construction needs