The additional qualifications will provide vital opportunities for upskilling across key sectors, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, digital technologies, leadership and management, and education and early years.
NWSLC launched the 12 new professional and technical courses this month, an offer which has been designed to reflect both employer demand and regional employment needs.
Specialist courses in electric vehicle technologies, automation, robotics and high-voltage battery systems will help support the transition to low-carbon transport and smart manufacturing.
Higher technical qualifications in digital and early years leadership will open pathways for those looking to step into supervisory or specialist roles.
Leadership and professional development opportunities aligned with standards from the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development will also support individuals aiming to move into management positions or strengthen their professional credentials.
The funding offer is open to residents and organisations across the wider combined authority region, including Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive at NWSLC, added: “Strengthening our professional and technical offer means we can open up real opportunities for both employers and adults across the region who want to take their next step, whether that’s progressing in their current role, changing career or moving into employment.
“These courses have been designed around the skills our local economy needs most, from advanced manufacturing and emerging vehicle technologies through to digital, leadership and education. By offering flexible ways to study, we’re making it easier for people at different stages of their career to access higher-level training that leads to tangible outcomes for them and for the businesses they support.”
Courses will be delivered through flexible study options designed to work around existing commitments, including face-to-face delivery at the MIRA Technology Institute, online learning and blended formats supported by the College’s Digital Skills Academy based at Coventry University Technology Park.
NWSLC has partnered with the Coventry University Group to collaborate on curriculum planning which supports the needs of regional industrial strategies. Along with the sharing of facilities and staff and joint bids and project activity, the partnership also facilitates opportunities for employers looking for apprenticeships and the upskilling of employees at all levels of their workforce.
The new courses will support adults aged 19 and over, and are available to those in employment, self-employed, or currently looking for work, particularly individuals earning below £34,194 who want to upskill, change career or improve their job prospects.
Martin Rennison, Director of Business Growth at NWSLC, said: “This additional suite of courses allows us to create training that benefits employers while also opening doors for people who want to move into work, retrain or progress in their careers. By offering flexible delivery and courses linked to real industry demand, we’re helping more people access the skills that lead directly to employment and advancement.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want people across the region to get the skills training that will open the door to good jobs and rewarding careers, especially in high growth areas such as advanced engineering and manufacturing and digital technologies. We’re also investing in higher level skills, including professional services and leadership and management, to help us develop the leaders of the future.
“By working closely with skills providers and employers in line with the needs of business, we can make sure that people in the region are equipped to join these sectors, upskill, progress in their careers and thrive.”
Employers, individuals and jobseekers interested in the new programmes are encouraged to contact the College to find out more about the courses available and can enrol via the website: Free Fully Funded Courses for Adults in the West Midlands* - NWSLC
For information about NWSLC’s courses and student success stories visit www.nwslc.co.uk
