New Labour candidate visits Erdington Skills Centre to see how the college is helping learners build a better future in wake of the pandemic

Paulette Hamilton was joined by the Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP and by the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Wolverhampton MP Pat McFadden at the Erdington Skills Centre this afternoon (Friday 28 January).

They spent the afternoon meeting staff and students at the construction training centre situated in the heart of Erdington.

During the visit, the trio had a tour of the skills centre, met budding learners and staff and even tried their hand at bricklaying, plastering and wiring!

The visit follows the tragic death of Jack Dromey earlier this month – who was a firm champion of the Centre.

The Centre’s biggest and most innovative workshop area is named The Jack Dromey Construction Suite in recognition of the former Labour MP’s sterling efforts to help education providers deliver skills training to both young people and adults to meet the needs of the local economy.  Mr Dromey officially opened the centre in 2015.

Commenting on the visit Pat Carvalho, Principal and CEO at BMet, said: “Everything we do at the skills centre helps to support our students, giving them the skills, they need to help with future employment.

“It was fantastic to welcome members of The Labour Party to the skills centre and to give our students the chance to meet prominent public figures.

“It was a bittersweet afternoon as Jack Dromey was a familiar figure at the centre and his absence was felt today.”

Find out more about the Erdington Skills Centre at the next open event – Wednesday 17 February between 4-7pm.  Click here to book a place.