Birmingham Metropolitan College bosses defend cost-cutting measures

A cash-strapped college planning to shut its technology and construction campus in Brierley Hill says it marks a 'great opportunity' to save money. more

Birmingham Metropolitan College's decision to close its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC), at The Waterfront, at the end of lease next September.

Some courses will go to Stourbridge College's campus in Hagley Road as part of a £1.8m revamp of the site.

But people wishing to study courses in plastering, bricklaying and painting and decorating will have to go to its campus in Erdington.

Head of Stourbridge College, Wendy Stevens said: "This decision is driven by our desire to improve provision, and represents a great opportunity for us to save money from the lease – £5m over the next 10 years - and reinvest this in the skills needs of the area, by developing a new construction provision at our college-owned facilities in the Black Country.

"This investment provides our students with an opportunity to study at great new facilities at our main campus, where they will benefit from a wider range of learning resources and support services, including careers advice and guidance with university and job applications.

"The investment also demonstrates the college's desire to meet local skills needs and to continuously improve teaching for all students.

"We are very clear that we want to retain all members of staff and we are currently in consultation about the changes."

The cost-cutting move comes after a critical report by the Further Education Commissioner, back in August, which found college leaders had been 'increasingly concerned about the college's financial forecasts'.

The Further Education commissioner was brought in following the college's request for 'exceptional financial support' from the Skills Funding Agency.

A follow up review by the commissioner is expected to be taking place this month to consider its progress.

Officials have also reviewed staffing levels which has led to the college, which also has campus' in Great Barr and Kidderminster, slashing jobs.

A total of 246 people opted for voluntary severance while there were also six compulsory redundancies.

A consultation is under way with staff about the closure of the ATC which will finish at the end of the academic year. No redundancies are expected at this stage.

Ms Stevens added: "We will continue to offer a full range of construction courses. Our carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical installation and gas provision will move to Stourbridge.

"These account for about 90 per cent of our provision at the ATC currently and we will continue to offer these, in new improved facilities at Stourbridge College, with the aim to increase provision over the coming years."