The significant agreement centres around the creation of a new £18 million Learning Campus in Smethwick, which is part of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital site set to open in 2025.
The Learning Campus is the first of its kind in the West Midlands, bringing together the college, NHS, and university partners in one purpose-built environment. The initiative, supported by Sandwell Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Government’s Town Fund, is vital to meeting the growing demand for new and upskilled staff in the NHS.
Sandwell College students will benefit from exclusive access to learning opportunities within the hospital, with the first cohort of school leavers and adult learners already enrolled this year for specialist healthcare courses giving them essential hands-on experience.
When completed in 2026, the Learning Campus will support more than 1,000 learners each year, offering over 100 apprenticeships, 250 work experience placements, and new opportunities for young people with learning difficulties.
Graham Pennington, Principal and Chief Executive of Sandwell College, commented: “This partnership between Sandwell College and the NHS is a remarkable opportunity for our students to gain real-life work experience, master classes, and career advice from healthcare professionals. The new Learning Campus goes beyond bricks and mortar — it’s about collaboration between key stakeholders in the region, as well as preparing the next generation of health and care professionals.”
As the largest provider of 16-19 study programmes in the West Midlands with 7,400 young people this year, the Sandwell Family of Colleges, including Sandwell College, Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, and Cadbury Sixth Form, continues to lead in educational innovation, with the new Learning Campus being just one of many projects in this year alone.
Decade of Success for Graham Pennington
Graham Pennington, who is stepping down after delivering a decade of success and over £33 million investment into the region, reflects: “Our mission has always been to deliver high-quality education that enhances the life chances and economic prospects of our learners, communities, and businesses. We’ve created an environment where every student can excel, from A Levels to T Levels and vocational courses, meeting the varied needs of all our learners.
“When I was appointed to this role, I had a vision to take Sandwell College to the highest level – driving investment in first-class facilities for learners, as well as forming partnerships that would provide the foundations for long-term success.
“I’m incredibly proud of the strong position in which I’m leaving The Sandwell Family of Colleges in. We’ve experienced year-on-year growth in student numbers, achieved our best-ever Ofsted inspection outcome, and reached our highest-ever enrolment, making us the most popular college destination for people in the West Midlands.”
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