SWAPs are currently receiving an injection of government funding, which is administered by the WMCA regionally, as the government seeks to help jobseekers who are claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), to build confidence, improve job prospects and enhance CVs whilst also helping businesses build a skilled workforce.

Commenting on the success of the SWAPs which are run from the centre, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Dudley College, Neil Thomas said: “Our sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs) is an opportunity to learn new skills and get an experience of working in a particular industry.

Participants continue to receive benefits whilst taking part in a SWAP and receive support with covering the cost of public transport and childcare whilst studying. The best thing about them is that each SWAP is linked to one or more genuine job vacancy. Last year nearly half of the people completed SWAP programmes were then taken directly into employment, which is something we are really proud of”.

During his visit Andy met with Pauline Jones, Business Manager at the Department of Work and Pensions who works closely with the Skills Shop to refer people to the centre who will benefit from a skills boost. Learners such as   Beth Illidge, who has been recently unemployed and was attending the Skills Shop to find out about the pre-employment training she could benefit from and the hospitality SWAP which is supported by three local employers, McDonalds, KFC, and The Hop House who are working with the centre to recruit new employees.

Anyone wishing to join a SWAP or employers looking to fill vacancies should contact Black Country Skills Shop team on 01384 363790.

Our very own Photography students Beth Hewitt, Marni Parkes, Sarah Ralph, Olivia Rhoden and Jordy Webb were successfully selected by Historic England in the project ‘Picturing High Streets’. This exhibition aims to depict high streets, individuals and communities around the country. The soon to arrive exhibition is part of a three-year project presented by Historic England and Photoworks in partnership with various national photography organisations. 

All of those who entered photographs were given fortnightly challenges with themes such as “high street hang outs” and “bright lights to dark nights”. Photographs were submitted by posting under the hashtag #PicturingHighStreets on Instagram, with all entries creating an unofficial archive which documents high streets. 60 entries in total were selected out of over 1,000 entries nationwide to be displayed in a variety of towns and cities across the country, so we are ever so proud of our students’ achievements in being selected! 

Dudley College of Technology has appointed Professor Paul Noon OBE, as its new Chair of Corporation. 

He will succeed David Whatton on the 1^st April 2023, the current Chair, who steps down following eight dedicated years of service to the Corporation, four of which in the role of chair.

Paul’s appointment follows a robust recruitment process led by David, to find his successor.

Paul is well suited to the position with an extensive career in the public sector with previous roles in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and as Regional Director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) West Midlands. He currently works as Pro-Vice Chancellor (Enterprise and Innovation) for Coventry University where he is involved in projects as diverse as developing the health sector in Yorkshire and aviation and manufacturing sectors in Indonesia and Brazil.

With his vast experience in developing the economic prosperity of the UK, supporting business of all sizes to develop their export markets -Paul champions a de-centralised approach to economic development working collaboratively with the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Midlands Engine to drive growth and prosperity in the West Midlands region.

Commenting on Paul’s appointment David Whatton said:

“I am delighted we have been able to secure such an outstanding appointment for the post of Chair of the college’s Corporation. I am confident Paul will help the college to continue to give a great education and experience to all of our students. His background and knowledge will also help the college to meet the needs of our communities and the businesses we serve.  His professional experience and wider understanding will help the Governors and the staff of the college to navigate the changes in further education and ensure that Dudley College continues to be the best college of technology in the country.”

Welcoming Paul and thanking David prior to the hand over Neil Thomas, Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College of Technology said:

“David has been a huge personal support to me in my leadership of the college, helping to make it the vibrant place it is today. I very much look forward to working with Paul to continue the college’s journey of success by developing innovative approaches to meeting the skills needs of our economy.”

Paul will initially take up the role for a period of four years.