Kidderminster Academy

Hundreds of prospective students attended the launch of the new Academy at Kidderminster to explore the new education and training opportunities coming to the area in September 2012.

VIP guest, the Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Anne Hingley described the launch event at the Piano Building as an ‘exciting day for Kidderminster’, praising the Academy for being ‘exactly what this town needs’.

The new skills and entrepreneurial Academy to be opened in Weavers Wharf at Kidderminster is a partnership between Birmingham Metropolitan College and Kidderminster College and will deliver full time courses for up to 1,000 16-18 year-olds and adult learners. Curriculums showcased at the launch event included catering, computer games development, health care, fashion and engineering. Plans were also unveiled for the new Samsung Experience Academy which will deliver qualifications and skills training for emerging SMART technologies.

X-Factor sensations, The Risk were a big hit on the day when they met prospective Academy students and performed on stage to hundreds of fans. Principal and Chief Executive of Birmingham Metropolitan College, Dr Christine Braddock CBE commented: “It’s fantastic that so many people are supporting the new Academy and the opportunities it will bring to the area. Refurbishment of the Piano Building has begun but this is only the start of the process. It will continue in the New Year and we hope this major development will continue to attract both learners and businesses eager to benefit from the skills that can be gained from our extensive and outstanding curriculum.” “Our association and partnership with major companies such as Caterpillar BCP, BMW, BSkyB, Samsung and our links to local organisations will develop Apprenticeships and job creation opportunities for residents from the Wyre Forest district. “As a resident of Wyre Forest, I have been acutely aware of the limited facilities for some learners. We aim to address this shortfall bringing this £10 million pound investment in new skills training, together with the development of engineering, construction and fashion and retail skills.

“We are also pleased to announce that Samsung, a global organisation, will establish a new Samsung Experience Academy in the Piano Building to train individuals in the use and development of digital technologies. As a leading global company, their involvement in Kidderminster is a great confidence boost for the area.” Andy Dobson, Principal and Chief Executive of Kidderminster College added: “Opening the doors of the Piano Building to the public for the first time was a major first step, so we are delighted our launch event was such a great success. Feedback gained from people about the education and training we will be offering was extremely positive, with many already expressing an interest in enrolling on learning programmes next year. “We can now expand the opportunities from the significant work already carried out in the college and this will enable us to be more flexible and responsive to employer needs. “This investment will secure outstanding learning facilities to complement our existing successful provision.”

The Academy will now start work with regional employers to build effective partnerships and provide opportunities for learners to gain the appropriate skills which employers are looking for when recruiting new staff. Employers have been invited to identify areas of skills shortages which the Academy can respond to by putting on suitable training.

Ends 12 December 2011

Notes to editor

Birmingham Metropolitan College are one of the leading providers of further and higher education in the West Midlands, providing a wide range of education and training programmes in central and north Birmingham. The curriculum specialises in the delivery of high level technology and advanced manufacturing training which includes digital, environmental and low carbon technology along with medical provision in pharmaceutical, dental nursing and podiatry.

Kidderminster College provides full- and part-time post-16 and adult education across Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest. The College offers a range of vocational courses and has particular specialisms in the creative industries and technology, along with hairdressing, beauty and holistic therapies, care, sport, public services and courses for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. It collaborates closely with local employers to deliver Apprenticeships, workplace learning and tailored training.

For further information visit www.kidderminster.ac.uk

ENDS

For more media information please contact: Shobby Patel Telephone: 0121 446 45 45 ext.8144 or email: