We visit 'fantastic facilities' at £9.3million Cradley Heath Skills Campus as it opens to learners for the first time

The new dedicated skills and training centre, which is part of Sandwell College's 'Your Future Our Focus' plan, has been described as having some "fantastic facilities" by Sandwell College principal and CEO Lisa Capper MBE.

It was developed with £9.3 million from the Towns Fund, granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, with bosses saying the investment reflects a 'wider commitment' to strengthening and developing the local workforce. 

The building itself features a contemporary design, reflecting a modern, yet simplistic and welcoming environment.

As well as regular classrooms, the campus will feature specialist 'practical rooms' which focus on upskilling for various trades, including painting and decorating, and caring sectors. 

However, the facility won't only be a place for learning, but for the exchange of knowledge, and an area where locals can book to use crucial resources.

Opening the campus with a ribbon cutting event, Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal The Sandwell Colleges, said: "We're delighted to be launching our new Cradley Heath Skills Campus, which has been funded through the Towns Fund, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the support from Central Council. 

"Cradley Heath Skills Campus is a unique opportunity to house adult learning and learning for young adults right in the heart of Sandwell, here at Cradley Heath. We're so excited about the Cradley Heath Skills Campus because it builds on a history of industrial skills in this area. 

"Just through the window you can see the beautiful statue of the female chain-makers who were famous in this area - and building on that tradition, we've created a space where local residents who might find it hard to walk into a big college or to travel for learning, can actually come and be reintroduced to that fantastic feeling, whhen you learn a new skill, you move yourself on, you develop yourself, and you're able to then add back to the community or indeed to the local economy.

"We have this opportunity for those people that perhaps are fearful about getting into learning to just come along to the local center, participate, maybe in first having a coffee and a chat in our lovely new cafe area downstairs and find out more about the range of courses that we've got for adults. It could be anything from Photography, Media, Construction, Logistics, Engineering, Maths, English, you know, a whole range of different courses that we can, provide access to for residents."

Express & Star Video Producer Martyn Greswolde went to visit the campus as it opened its doors with an official VIP launch event, where students said their lives have been transformed since attending the college. Watch the video of his visit above. 

Tobani, 48, from Wednesbury, said: " Before I started my social care course, I didn't have a clue how to work with anybody older or how to understand people in general. But now I'm more wiser. I think I'm more better than before with the help of Sandwell College."

Meera, 45, from Great Barr, added: "My daughter inspired me to step out of the door, rather being depressed in the house because I had no education. I was scared to step out. I was in like a little bubble where I was sitting on my own and doing nothing. When she enrolled in the Sandwell College, she became a confident and she achieved what she wanted, then she came to me and inspired me to go.

"All my teachers were so supportive. I said I was scared to step out because of my disability. I thought people will make fun. But Sandwell College proved me wrong. They accepted me with who I was and they just made me who I am today."

To find out more about studying at Cradley Heath Skills Campus visit the website here.