As part of National Apprenticeship Week we hosted visits from Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Marco Longhi MP, and Shelagh Legrave CBE, the FE Commissioner.  Not only did they come to give their support for the place Apprenticeships have to play in the skills landscape, but they came to look at how our curriculum is supporting green skills and the T level rollout.  

Amanda spent several hours in Advance II talking to apprentices at all levels:  including air-conditioning and refrigeration apprentices with tutor Chris Clamp and electrical apprentices with tutor Simon Loveland. Leon Vincent’s level 3 apprenticeship group also took part in a Q&A activity with the Minister where they quizzed her on the future of apprenticeships and how we support more people to pursue careers in these industries. Amanda loved engaging with the students and having a go at a range of practical skills. She was particularly impressed with the links with employers we have and had the opportunity to talk to Lyndon Staples the Regional sales manager form Fieldpiece, who work closely with the College, supplying equipment so that students can develop their skills on the latest industry kit. 

Commenting on her visit The minister said: “I have visited a number of colleges as part of the National Apprenticeship Week and have been really impressed with the Dudley College Advance centre. It is a very impressive building and the range of trades and skills being taught with state-of-the-art equipment and tutors who are committed to bringing them through ready for the world of work, which they are already experiencing in many cases

“This is traditionally a region steeped in heavy industry but employers and apprentices are embracing new ways of working for the future.

” We exchanged with them some really good ideas about the government’s green initiatives around net zero such as the use of energy saving technology and new ways of working and they were very open to them. “

Neil Thomas Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College said: “It is always good to welcome external stakeholders to the college, so they can meet with our marvellous staff and students. As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the West Midlands, it’s only right we celebrate National Apprenticeship week by showcasing some of the apprenticeship programmes we offer in areas that will contribute to reducing global warming, through the appliance of new technology. ”

Following a series of on-going training sessions with industry heavyweight Conex Banninger, apprentices studying Level 3 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering (RACHP) have become certified installers for the brand, receiving 10-year industry training certificates to mark the occasion.  

Conex Banninger, based in Kingswinford is a specialist provider of metal fittings, valves and accessories across the globe, with their expertise trusted across a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, air conditioning and refrigeration markets.  

As Conex’s expansion into diverse facilities such as hospitals and airports continues to grow, training sessions have now been put in place to guide students in meeting industry demands, fostering the simultaneous development of their knowledge and skills alongside their conventional studies. 

Speaking about the how the training sessions will impact students studying RACHP, Dudley College lecturer Chris Clamp said:  

“Through this training, companies are giving students up-to-date knowledge with certification that will guarantee their work competence in new methods for the next 10 years. There’s a chance that no other employees at their company may have knowledge regarding new-to-market equipment, as heat pumps are becoming greener and more commonplace, so our apprentices will be able to bring these skills back to their employer.” 

Michael Lucken, Technical Sales Manager for Conex Banninger said:  

“As press fitting is not covered in City & Guilds courses, we provide supplementary >B< MaxiPro Training for apprentices who are studying RACHP. This training helps to combat skills shortages within the industry and provide an extra layer of education for learners studying the subject.“ 

Further support for the apprentices has been received from several industry names, including Aspen and Javac, who recently conducted training sessions and donated equipment for the students to use in their studies, whilst the IOR (Institute of Refrigeration) have given learners free membership to use its learning resources and join a network of over 2300 members.  

With the next phase of the West Midlands Metro extension set to launch in 2024, adult learners at Dudley College of Technology’s Black Country Skills Shop have been working hard to secure employment within the organisation.

By working closely with Claire Scrimshire; Head of HR and Organisational Development at West Midlands Metro (WMM), learners have undertaken a programme of training designed to give unemployed adults the opportunity to move into job roles with the WMM.

The Black Country Skills Shop team recently caught up with two successful learners. Shamara Parkes and Chris Bruce, who successfully completed the ‘Into Employment’ training programme to become Tram Drivers on the West Midlands Metro network, undergoing bespoke training in preparation for the intensive psychometric evaluations and assessments needed to gain the role.

Speaking about her experience, Shamara (aged 39) said: “I was made redundant a while ago, but then I heard about the Midlands Metro course with the Skills Shops and decided to enrol. It was hard getting back into the classroom again, but I received great support from my lecturer. Everything we researched in class related to the actual job role and helped me through my interview.”

Chris (aged 58) expressed similar sentiments: “I felt my skillset was outdated and I wasn’t as confident as I used to be, but once I enrolled onto the “Into Employment” training programme, I learned about customer service, health and safety and how to work as a team. I enjoyed the course from start to finish and it was a great opportunity to update my skills. Securing a role as driver is very exciting to me, it’s a boyhood dream – 6-year-old me is running around the room screaming!”

Speaking on the success of this cohort, Claire Scrimshire said “I just wanted to say a big thank you for the programme, we have had 9 suitable candidates”

Shamara and Chris were trained and mentored by Marek, who also started his journey with Dudley College Of Technology. Marek was a student of ESOL over 10 years ago, before moving into employment with West Midlands Metro and developing his career with their support.

As of December 2023, the two are now driving on the mainline with minders.

Through the ‘Into Employment’ programme, the Black Country Skills Shop have supported 16 learners since August 2023, with 11 going on to gain roles with West Midland Metro.

With this phase of the expansion, 50 drivers will be needed to join.

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

Dudley College of Technology is delighted to announce the triumph of Tom Sadler, a highly skilled Level 3 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprentice, who claimed the prestigious gold medal in the fiercely competitive Metal Fabrication category at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester in November. 

The national competition is well-known for its competitive nature, bringing together highly skilled individuals from various fields. In the Metal Fabrication category, participants are challenged to demonstrate precision, creativity, and mastery of technical skills over a period of 4 days. Tom’s success in such a challenging environment showcased not only his personal abilities but also the high standards maintained by Dudley College’s Apprenticeship programs.

Commenting on the experience Tom said: “I am delighted to win this prestigious prize, and I would like to thank my employer – Collins Aerospace, for their unwavering support, especially for visiting me during the competition. Additionally, I would like to thank my wonderful tutor: Andy Whitehouse for his guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of taking part in WorldSkills and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in getting involved.”  

Tom’s employer: Collins Aerospace supported him, throughout the competition granting him the necessary time off to hone his fabrication skills and even visiting him in Manchester during the finals. Tom joined Collins Aerospace in September 2023 and hopes to now advance his career by pursuing a Level 4 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship with them delivered through Dudley College. 

Neil Thomas, Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College, commented:  “This is a wonderful accomplishment. Tom is now the best apprentice in the country in this field. His dedication and success in the WorldSkills Metal Fabrication Finals are a testament to his extraordinary talent and hard work which has been fostered through his studies at college.  We are immensely proud of Tom and look forward to seeing him complete again next year as he continues to study with us. Well done!

Following her success at a recent regional heat, Level 3 Hairdressing Apprentice Amelia Higgins has continued her winning streak by claiming the highly distinguished bronze medal at the World Skills national finals in Manchester last week.

The national competition is renowned for its intensity, bringing together the brightest talents from various disciplines. In the Hairdressing category, participants were challenged to demonstrate their skills in men’s hair styling. Despite studying a women’s hairdressing course, Amelia welcomed the challenge by producing a variety of cuts, including mullets, perms, and afro styling.

Describing her week as “emotional”, Amelia said: “I’m so pleased to have won the bronze medal! The competition was intense at times, with some early starts and late finishes, but I recommend anybody who is interested in the competition to give it a go and use the experience to learn more about yourself.”

Amelia was supported by her tutor, Charlotte Thomas and her employer, Dy8 Desinz based in Stourbridge, who allowed her to take time away from their busy salon to prepare for the competition.

Neil Thomas, Chief Executive of Dudley College, extended warm congratulations to Amelia, acknowledging her fantastic achievement saying: “Winning the Bronze medal at the World Skills National Finals is a fantastic achievement. The competition is known for its intensity, but it certainly does bring out the best in participants. Amelia is an inspiration to other students at the college who understand the hard work it has taken to achieve this brilliant performance!”

Looking towards a bright future, Amelia hopes to continue hairdressing and in a few years’ time – take her skills worldwide by working with L’Oreal.

Dudley College of Technology commemorated the achievements of Higher Education learners in an unforgettable ceremony held on Saturday 25^th November, that marked the culmination of their academic journey.

As ever the graduation event was an inspiring celebration of knowledge, dedication, and perseverance. This year’s commencement saw the conferral of qualifications upon learners from across the subject disciplines including Teacher Training, Animal Science and Performance Studies.

The ceremony featured a vote of thanks on behalf of the student body from Management graduate Kirstie Harrington who by her own description is now a “compulsive adult learner”. Sharing her own life journey from supermarket assistant to lecturer, she urged her peers to continue their studies. Thanking both staff at the college and family and friends who supported their loved ones throughout the last academic year, to achieve their goals.

Leading the event alongside Neil Thomas Chief Executive of Dudley College of Technology, was Professor Paul Noone Pro Vie Chancellor of Coventry University, who is Chair of the College’s Corporation.  Wishing the graduates every success Professor Noone spoke about the transformative impact of their education at Dudley College of Technology for their futures.

On behalf of the Governing Body, he said “We are immensely proud of our graduates and their remarkable achievements. “This graduation marks a significant milestone in their lives and symbolizes the hard work and dedication they have put into their studies. It’s a moment of great pride for both the graduates and the entire Dudley College community.”

Continuing the overall theme of celebration Neil Thomas added: “Graduation is an end and a beginning, it is the celebration of the achievement of an ambition, but it’s also the start of a new chapter for graduates as they head into new careers and directions which may not have been possible before starting their studies.”

The event concluded with an informal drinks’ reception and a please for graduates to stay in touch and share their future career success back with the College. 

To see and download pictures from the event visit: Higher Awards Ceremony 2023 | Flickr.

Today The Rt Hon Michael Gove Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities visited Dudley College of Technology’s Inspired Brierley Hill campus to announce the funding of £20million for the Brierley Hill development zone as part of the government’s levelling up agenda.

The funding will include £14million for the creation of a new Transport Technologies Centre to upskill local people in electric vehicles and modern transport systems. The new development will see Dudley College of Technologies’ Motor Vehicle Centre relocate to the site from it’s current Wolverhampton base.  The current facility of 1500m2 will be replaced by a 2900m2 modern facility with workshops not only servicing traditional motor and transport, but also modern electrical, and alternative fuel systems, together with engineering and automation laboratories servicing driverless technologies.

The proposed facility will serve 500 students when it opens, to train both young people progressing from school into the sector and adults looking to retrain as modern transport technologies.

The relocation of the education facility will help link the high street to Merry Hill and boost footfall into the town as it will be sited directly opposite the West Midlands Metro Brierley Hill terminus.

The ambitious new plans will begin work in Spring 2025 and will be expected to be completed by Summer 2026. 

The project is just one of 55 projects to be supported from the new £1billion levelling up fund that is designed to provide support for high streets and transform communities across the UK.

Dudley College of Technology is actively searching for dynamic individuals to become part of its esteemed Board of Governors. Recognised for its achievements in delivering a diverse range of education and training programs, the College annually enrols approximately 12,000 students across various sectors, leaving a significant impact at the local, regional, and national levels.

Having earned an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in 2017 and the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education in 2020, Dudley College is now focused on bolstering its governance team to contribute to the strategic direction and continued success of the institution.

About the Corporation

The Corporation, also known as the governing body, holds a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership, defining the mission, and establishing policy frameworks for the college. It oversees, challenges, and supports the Chief Executive & Principal and the senior leadership team. Comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Corporation brings a wealth of skills, experience, and community knowledge to the boardroom. Whilst experience in the education sector is not obligatory, a strong motivation and passion for technical learning and further education are essential.

Governors convene approximately eight times a year, including developmental events. Various committees within the Corporation focus on specific areas such as standards, audit, finance, and estates, providing comprehensive recommendations to the governing body. Although the role is voluntary, board members are encouraged to reclaim travel and similar expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Future Plans

Dudley College is actively shaping its Strategic Plan for 2024 and beyond, seeking individuals to reinforce the Corporation in innovative and exciting areas. Key priorities include the launch of Health Innovation Dudley, expansion of the Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology, development of new provisions in industry priority areas, and continuous improvement of state-of-the-art technical facilities for students.

In alignment with the commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, Dudley College invites applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+, and disabled candidates.

Contact Us

For those interested in learning more about governance and the associated responsibilities, detailed information can be found on our Governance page. For an informal discussion or to express interest, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Gill Darwood, Director of Corporate Governance.

Dudley College of Technology is eager to welcome new voices and perspectives to its Board of Governors, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the success and transformation of one of the region’s most vibrant and successful educational institutions. If you are passionate about education, technical learning, and making a real difference in the community, we would love to hear from you.

Hot off the heels of his successful bid at the World Skills UK national finals last year, a Dudley College of Technology apprentice has returned to the competition and found success a second time.

Tom Sadler (aged 19), a Level 3 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprentice has once again battled his way through to the national finals after competing in a recent West Midlands regional heat. During the competition, he presented one of his creations, which was produced from his own design template and celebrated as one of the top ten entries in the contest.

He is now busy preparing for a gruelling four-day project by producing a range of CAD designs and bringing them to life with the support of his tutor, Andy Whitehouse. Though understandably nervous about the competition, Tom has remained confident about his big challenge, saying:

“I’ve enjoyed taking part in the World Skills competition so far, but it’s been a lot of hard work. I’m nervous, but with the support of my employer, the college and Andy, I have never felt so much pride in my work.”

Andy Whitehouse, Tom’s tutor echoed Tom’s sentiments saying:

“I’m nervous for him, but I’m sure that whatever he’s asked to design, he’ll know what to do and how to do it. He’s a very good student and I think he has a great chance to do well in the competition”.

His employer, Collins Aerospace, based in Wolverhampton, has extended their support by giving him the time off work needed to practice fabricating his designs. His team are even planning to visit him in Manchester whilst he undertakes the competition. Tom began working with Collins Aerospace in September 2023 and hopes to continue his career by progressing into a Level 4 Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship.

As a competitor in the World Skills UK national finals, Tom could be invited to join the WorldSkills UK International Development Programme for the WorldSkills Competition in 2026, which will be hosted in Denmark

Years of hard work since the age of 14, when she began her part-time job in a salon, has resulted in a Dudey College of Technology student making it through to the final of this year’s WorldSkills UK hair dressing competition. 

Amelia Higgins (aged 20) a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprentice at college,  fought her way to the national finals after last month winning a closely contested West Midlands regional heat.  Demonstrating a range of technical skills including a classic cut and style and an editorial style hair up, Amelia was celebrated as one of the top seven stylists in the country, when selected to go forward to compete in the national finals in Manchester in November. 

She now faces a gruelling four-day competition in which she will produce a range of hairdressing looks including classic “bridal” hair, razored mullet, catwalk hair, natural textures and balayage.  Looking forward to the big event Amelia said:  

“It’s been a lot of hard work taking part in the Wordskills, whilst working full-time in the salon, but the support I have received from my employer, customers and staff and students at college has, been tremendous.” 

Her employer is Dy8 Desinz, in Stourbridge where Senior Director Isabelle Rose has given Amelia a huge amount of support and encouragement throughout the completion, transferring her own passion for creative hairdressing to Amelia.  

Thinking about heading to the finals Amelia is excited as she believes the competition has helped her to develop her own skills saying: 

“Taking part in Worldskills, competing against the best young hairdressers in the country has driven me to deepen my own skills and unleash my creativity. The best part for me is responding to the competition briefs in the most creative way I can, hopefully producing something of a high standard that will wow the judges!”  

And as a competitor in this year’s national finals Amelia could be invited to join the WorldSkills UK International Development Programme for the WorldSkills Competition in 2026, which will be hosted in Denmark.