Over 7,000 apprentices set to be trained at Wolverhampton's new learning quarter in next decade
Over 7,000 apprentices will start their training at Wolverhampton's new city centre learning campus over the next ten years, the city council has said.
The figures were announced after the council-backed City Learning Quarter site hit another major milestone in June, with the removal of protective covers and scaffolding on the £61 million new Bilston Street building.
The city centre state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction by contractor McLaughlin & Harvey and forms part of phase two of Wolverhampton Council’s masterplan to boost skills and employment.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “As we get the first look at the exterior finish of the new City Learning Quarter there is no doubt it is going to provide an inspirational setting for students and staff.
“It will also act as a focal point in the city centre, increasing footfall to support neighbouring businesses, especially with its excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes.
“The City Learning Quarter has been a long held ambition of the council to drive education and skills in the city and it will unlock opportunities for the people of Wolverhampton and beyond.”
The new development will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build what the council says is much needed housing.
The college forecasts that over a 10 year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.
Paul Davies, Director of Finance at the college, said: “The unveiling of the new City Learning Quarter campus is a major milestone for the college and for education in Wolverhampton. It’s the result of years of planning and investment, and it’s exciting to see the vision becoming a reality.
“Relocating from our long standing Paget Road site to this purpose built, centrally located campus will allow us to deliver a modern, high quality learning experience that has greater accessibility through public transport links. The new facilities will not only benefit our staff, students and apprentices, but also play a key role in supporting skills development and economic growth across the wider region.”
The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
The building is set to open to City of Wolverhampton College students in the autumn.
