A new 'have-a-go' skills academy aimed at showcasing career options to apprentices opens in Birmingham tomorrow.
The Ladder Skills Academy will give people the chance to learn more about careers in sectors such as health and social care, hospitality, engineering, manufacturing, professional services and IT by attending information sessions where they can actually gain some hands-on experience within their chosen field.
Areas have been set up in the building to mimic a workplace including a fully working kitchen so those interested in hospitality can learn how to serve, use a barista coffee machine, practice customer service and dress a table. There is also a dental surgery with a chair and equipment for those keen to learn about dentistry.
The project has been funded by Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, through its Growing Places Fund allocation, and match funded by Oldbury-based training provider BCTG Group.
The building, in Mill Street near Aston University, was previously occupied by training provider JTL but it relocated to a brand new £4 million education hub in the Aston Cross district of the city a year ago.
The Ladder Skills Academy is the latest project by The Ladder Foundation which was set up to promote apprenticeships to both job seekers and employers.
Among its campaigns has been the Ladder for Greater Birmingham which was launched in 2018 to connect potential apprentices with training providers and employers across Birmingham and Solihull.
It is also a partner in the Greater Birmingham Apprenticeship Awards which are run by BusinessLive's publisher Reach and were last held in November at Edgbaston cricket stadium.
Ladder Foundation chairman Kevin Davis said: "The Ladder Skills Academy will form part of the Ladder legacy in Birmingham, working with over 70 partners including independent training providers, colleges, universities and employers.
"We will be providing a one-stop shop, focussing on supporting individuals and especially young people aged between 16 to 29. We are working to raise aspirations, offering independent and appropriate information and guidance to develop the next generation of skilled workers, leaders and entrepreneurs.
"Schools will be offered the opportunity to bring their students to the academy to undertake have-a-go sessions outside the traditional academic setting, promoting all career pathways."
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is set to officially open the Ladder Skills Academy tomorrow with Mr Davis and Henriette Breukelaar, chief executive of GBSLEP.
A construction apprenticeship jobs fair is also taking place at the building from 9.30am to 2.30pm tomorrow.
Ms Breukelaar said: "It's been great to see over 3,000 apprenticeships created in the region since we started our partnership with the Ladder for Greater Birmingham in 2018.
"For our regional economy to thrive, we need to ensure our young people have the skills to achieve their potential and for local businesses to benefit.
"GBSLEP exists to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth and this new academy will give much needed hands-on experience to our young people."
