Work is under way to create a new £500,000 apprenticeship hub as part of plans to boost training and job prospects across the Black Country.
The University of Wolverhampton is turning an old pub – a former match-day haunt for Wolverhampton Wanderers fans – into a central hub for apprentices, employers and learning providers.
It will provide information and guidance about the apprenticeships on offer at the university, which already includes a higher-level apprenticeship delivered through a foundation degree programme. University workers will also be able to sign up for apprenticeships as part of a staff development scheme.
Investing in education
The hub is the latest project in the University’s £250 million investment into growing the potential of local communities.
A £65 million construction college and a £10 million health college are among the new facilities. In addition, there will be a new £25 million science block and an £18 million business school for the university.
Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The government is committed to providing three million apprenticeships – the majority of which will be higher level skills – during this parliament with a requirement that courses meet the skills needs identified within each region.
‘Driving up skills’
“Degree apprenticeships can be achieved where the qualifications include an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
“The University will offer technical and professional higher and degree apprenticeships as well as progression from intermediate and advanced apprenticeships – driving up skills levels in the region and responding to the planned introduction of an Apprenticeship Levy from April 2017.”
