BMet to lead on Collab Group’s new Digital Engineering Academy – Academy supported by the Government’s new Flexible Learning Fund
Following the announcement by Skills Minister Anne Milton, the Collab Group of colleges has secured funding as part of the Government’s Flexible Learning Fund to deliver an innovative “Digital Engineering Academy”.
BMet will lead the project along with fellow Collab Group members, Derby College, Middlesbrough College, Bridgwater College, and Capital City Training Group.
Vinci Construction will act as the lead employer partner and will work with Collab Group member colleges to upskill the next generation of digital engineers.
The project will support learners to develop their career prospects in digital engineering with a view to supporting the skills needs of critical UK infrastructure projects.
The project epitomises the collaborative ethos of Collab Group colleges, who, working closely with employers, can respond to the skills and training needs of key industrial sectors.
This collaborative ethos is underscored by the range of employer endorsements that this initiative has generated; these include support from, Laing O’Rourke, East Midlands Rail, East Midlands LEP, West England LEP, Tarmac, One Awards, NSAR and NOCN, and Bam Nuttall.
The colleges will be creating the content which will be developed into rich, interactive e-learning materials by technology partner e-pearl.
The Collab Group said it is delighted to have secured this opportunity and looks forward to working together with member colleges and employer partners, to deliver high-quality and impactful skills training which will be crucial to support infrastructure projects of demonstrable importance to UK economic growth and productivity.
Paula Creswell, Business Development Director, BMet said:
“Digital engineering technologies are here to stay and we are absolutely thrilled to be leading on this important project.
“Projects like this one are significant as they help us to provide learning environments which support enhanced technical, professional and other skills so learners are work ready once their studies are complete.
“This particular programme of work will help to shape the future skills needed to ensure long-term economic capacity and success.”
Steve Bannister, Business Development Director: Collab Group said:
“This is a great opportunity for Collab Group colleges to work in partnership with Vinci Construction. Training the next generation of digital engineers will be crucial to ensure the success of key infrastructure projects across the UK, and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Julian Gatward: Manging Director of Taylor Woodrow (Civil Engineering Division of VINCI Construction UK Ltd) said:
“The Digital Engineering Academy provides a flexible, accessible and inclusive learning platform which will revolutionise the development of the next generation of construction professionals by attracting new entrants to the industry.”
Wayne Jane Van Rensburg: PEARL Tech UK: Group Chief Executive, said:
“As the technology provider for the flexible learning fund project led by Birmingham Met, we are very excited at the prospect of producing cutting edge learning materials and technologies for the civil engineering sector.”
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